
Class 
Book^ 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT 




HISTORY HKCOKDING f)N TI M K THE KVRNTS OF THE NATIONS. 



PKKSRNTl D TO 










/ 



EDWARDS'S 

GEEAT WEST 

AND HER 

COMMEPIOIAL METRO P\^L^®' 

EMBRACING 

A GENERAL VIEW OF THE WEST, 



AND A COMPLETE 



HISTORY OF ST. LOUIS, 

FROM THE LANDING OF LIGUESTE, IN 1764, 
TO THE PRESENT TIME; 



WITH PORTRAITS AND BIOGRAPHIES OF SOME OF THE OLD SETTLERS, AND 
MANY OF THE MOST PROMINENT BUSINESS MEN. 



BY 

RICHARD EDWARDS AND M. HOPEWELL, .1 D. 

SI^LENDIDLY ILLUSTR.ATED. 



I I I i) > v ■W ' )« ' ' i " . WJ i .f i ir ' .a i Q ' a ' MmB,; ''! 



> 



y 



Entered^ccordiug to the Act of Congress, in the year 1860, by 

y RICHARD EDWARDS, 

In the Clgfk's OtEce of the District Court of the United States, for the Eastern District 
^ of Missouri. 




JEWISH SYNAGOGUE, BENAIEL. 
Located on the South-east corner of Sixth and Cerre streets. 



NOTICE TO AUTHOP^^ "^t^ 



-Uectiuf 



^ilwatl0i^ 



TO THE INH iVBIT ANTS OW ST. L O XJ I S , 

€)^t (^xmi Pctvopolis of llje Sftlcst, 

THIS BOOK IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, 
BY'THEAUTHORS. 



Citizens of St. Louis, 

Greeting : 
It is the custom of most nations to have a Patron Saint for the purpose of protection 
and conciliation, and most books have some powerful Maecenas to introduce them to 
the world under favorable auspices. To you we dedicate this book, and claim j'ou 
as our Patrons. It is you who have developed the great resources of this Western 
Metropolis. It is you who have given it its fame, its wealth, and its business. You 
have given it reputation abroad, and prosperity at home. You have made it also 
famous for its hospitality, and the pilgrim and the stranger feel conscious when they 
enter the Mound City, that there are warm hearts and friendly hands to welcome 
them. St. Louis is still young, though in growth a Titan, and this history has 
recorded many of your names, as being instrumental in carving out its progressive 
destiny. There is scarcely a family in it, but in turning over the pages of this 
book, will see the name of some friend or relative, perhaps now festering in the 
shroud, who have acted well their parts, and have honorable mention in this record. 
And since St. Louis has become worthy of a history through the enterprise of her 
citizens, it is good and proper that " The Great West and her Commercial Metropolis," 
be dedicated to the Citizens of St. Louis. 




KICHARD EDWAKDS. 



PREFACE. 



Ix commencin;^ this preface, the authors readily yield to the emo- 
tions which animate them. They are emotions of gratitude to those 
who, with a good heart and a desire for the complete success of this 
work, liave imparted most essential information, and have furnished 
some of the chief materials that are woven in this history. 

To I\Iadam Elizabetli Ortes, the only one now living who recol- 
lects tlie founder of St. Louis, Pierre Laclede Liguest, we are under 
lasting obligations. She is the only living record of the early time 
of this city, and on every occasion was happy to answer our inquiries, 
and furnish us, fi-om the ample storehouse of a memory garnering in- 
cidents for nearly a century, interesting narratives and anecdotes. 
To .Madame Yament, James (t. Soulard, Dr. Robert Simpson, Henry 
Von Phul, Jean Baptiste Ilortez, some of them born in St. Louis, and 
all ol'them, with but one exception, past the threescore and ten years 
allotted to human existence, we likewise tender our thanks, for con- 
tributing much that was necessary for our purjjose; and to Xathaniel 
I'aschall, Colonel Charles Keemle, Augustus Kerr, and others, whose 
names are lefjion^ we cheerfully and gratefully acknowledge our in- 
debtedness for invaluable facts. 

It is now meet and proper, in giving this work to the public, to 
state the great difficulties which encompassed the undertaking. We 
do this, not to crave indulgence for imperfections, but to elicit a just 
and dispassionate examination with the light of surrounding circum- 
stances. All that was known of tlie early history of St. Louis, pre- 
vious to our un(l(;rtaking, consisted in some few isolated facts and 
traditionary narratives, Avhich, from time to time, had been published, 
and, if woven together, would have been meagre indeed — mere dis- 
jointed fragments, and not a centime of the material required for an 
histoiical fabric. Some of these narratives were also Avrong in histor- 
ical fact, and this coming to our knowledge, made us suspicious of the 
whole ; and it was only after a cautious examination of their authen- 
ticity that we adopted any of them as history ; and, consequently, the 
few pioneer marks left by others have not assisted our search, or sub- 
tracted from our labors. It has l>een over three years since this Avork 
was conceived, and for the last eighteen months we have been sedu- 
lously and absorbingly employed in collecting the necessary informa- 
tion. All of the French and Si>anish archives have been consulted in the 
original manuscript, for fear of errors creeping in the translated copies ; 



54 PRKFACE. 

the Livre Terrein,* aud other papers contained in the United States 
Recorder's office, carefully examined ; and private papers, which have 
been committed to our care by some of the old settlers, have been ex- 
hausted of whatever was essential to our purpose. The records of 
the Catholic Church, which throw so much light upon the early history 
of St. Louis, were cheerfully submitted to our inspection by the Very 
Rev. Edmund Saulnier, the chancellor of the diocese of St. Louis, 
and from them we gathered most useful information. We have sedu- 
lously sought the acquaintance of tlie few that were left of the early 
inhabitants, and in the mass of information that has been acquired, 
have carefully weighed conflicting declarations, and have rejected all 
that wore an appearance of doubt and strong incredibility. Such have 
been the sources from which we have draAvn our information in form- 
ing the portion of the Avork which comprises the early history of St. 
Louis ; and if it can lay claim to no other merit, it has that of relia- 
bility. 

From 1808, the chief events of St. Louis were preserved from 
the oblivious influences of time by the establishment of a journal, 
now The Missouri Repuhlican^ and to its present proprietors we are 
under infinite obligations, for cheerfully consigning to our possession 
its files, that preserved in their columns so much of narrative inci- 
dent which would otherwise have inevitably perished; and our pro- 
gress from this date Avas much easier. However, it Avas constantly 
necessary still to advise Avith those of the inhabitants Avho lived at 
the time, and had a perfect knowledge of concurrent events. As 
the city enlarged, the matei'ials for history constantly increased, and 
Ave had to select those portions that Avere most fraught Avith interest 
and utility. It Avas impossible to embody all, and there may be some 
Avho Avould have been most interested in the rejected portions. P^or 
the disappointment of those Ave cannot justly be accountable, and 
hope Ave have alleged a suflicient explanation. 

The getting up of a Avork of this magnitude, and in such style, 
has been attended Avith an immense outlay of capital, all of Avhich 
has been boi'ne and risked, in this enterprise, by one of the authors ; 
nor has state or municipal aid been received or solicited. 

We have been compelled to change the design of this AVork, con- 
templated at its commencement. Then Ave intended to embrace in 
it the business of St. Louis. Had Ave done so, the history of St. 
Louis would have been but a meagre sketch, uuAvorthy of the name 
of history ; for we could not have given to it more than one-third of 
its present space, as it Avould not do to make a book of this nature 
too voluminous ; and, from the same cause, so as to give a greater 
latitude to the history of St. Louis, Ave haA'e omitted the sketch of 
the Mississippi Valley and the state of Missoui-i. HoAvever, at a near 
day, in a series of publications, Ave Avill embrace Avhat Avas then 
omitted ; the " Gazetteer of the State" being in incipient progress. 
Had this A^olume been larger, it Avould have been out of taste and 
unattractive. 

* W. Gr. Hofstetter, of the United States Recorder's Office, assisted us much in guid- 
ing our search in the old records with which he is so familiar. 



PREFACE. 



The biographies, which make a portion of this work, are replete 
with interest, and serve more fully to illustrate the history of our 
great metropolis — for they have for their subjects those who have 
become prominent in their respective spheres of life, and have mate- 
rially served to develop the elements which have given to the city its 
business importance and honorable jjosition. We Avill here give the 
names of many other prominent persons, whose biographies are not 
found in this work. They were all written to ; some declined, from too 
fastidious a delicacy, from appearing in the work, while the rest unfor- 
tunately did not receive the letters addressed to them, and their miscar- 
riage Avas not discovered until too late to rectify it. There Avere also 
some photographs and biographies received too late for insertion. The 
names of these gentlemen are as follows, viz. : Hon. Daniel D. Page, Hon. 
George Maguire, Hon. John ]V|. Wimer, Hon. James G. Barry, Hon. 
John How, Hudson E. Bridge, Judge Peter Ferguson, Hon. Wayman 
Crow, Right Rev. Archbishop Kendrick, Rev. Dr. Elliot, James 
Clemens, Jr., William Renshaw, Sen., Asa Wilgus, William G. Pettus, 
Colonel Robert Campbell, James Harrison, William M. M(^Pherson, 
Amadee Valle, Wilson Primm, Captain J. C. Swon, Daniel Hough, 
M. J. Swarmger, D. A. January, H. R. Gamble, Dr. J. N. McDowell, 
David Rankin, Judge R. J. Lackland, Judge Alexander Hamilton, 
D. R. Garrison, J. T. Dowdall, J. Finney, S. D. Barlow, Gabriel S, 
Chouteau, Francis Saler, John B. Carson, Dr. J. W. Hall, Rev. E. C. 
Hutchinson, John G. Priest, Henry Clay Hart, Captain AndrcAV 
Har-per, Frederick Dings, Dr. Robert Simpson,* and some others. 

In conclusion, we tender our heartfelt thanks to the journals of St. 
Louis, We thank them cordially for the many encomiums whilst in 
progress, and as we read their articles so flattering to our prospects, 
so^ fraught Avith predictions of certain success, Ave felt encouraged and 
sustained in our labors, and hurried uj) our lagging Pegasus, that 
their friendly and liberal jiromises to the public might, at all events, 
be measurably fultilled. They wove the bay Avreath for the book 
before it Avas finished, and before its merits had been tested. It now 
goes forth to the Avorld under the happiest auspices, and if it meet 
Avith disfavor, it must be because vm worthy. 

Richard Edavards. 
m. hopeavell. 

It is but an act of duty and justice for me to say that this Avork 
Avas first commenced over three years ago by Mr. Richard EdAvards, 
and all the pecuniary risk attending it is at his hazard. 

M. Hopewell. 

* Dr. Robert Simpson is the oldest American citizen, who came earliest to St. Louis. 
He was the first to keep a drug-store. He has been assessor, sheriff, county court 
judge, and physician in the army, and tliere are none who held these offices before him 
now alive. He is the oldest postmaster, has been connected with all the important 
phases in tlie early history of St. Louis, and we exceedingly regret that his biography 
is not in this worlc. 






o 

W 

Q 



INTKODUCTION. 



It is necessary to preface the History of St. Louis by a few preliminary 

I'emarks, so that the read^'r may 
liave an intelh'gent conception of 
some things which, unexplained, 
would leave a doubtful impression 
upon his mind, and perhaps subject 
the authors to the imputations of 
neglect or error. The founder of 
St. Louis has always been known 
by the name of Laclede, and it is 
ahnost universally believed that it 
was liis tamily name, when his full 
name was is Pierre Laclede Liguest. 
This error was a very natural one, 
as we shall proceed to explain, and 
it is most probable that all who 
lauded at the contemplated trading 
post on the loth of February, with 
i)ut few exceptions, believed that 
his surname was Laclede. 

At the time that a settlement 
was made upon the site of St. Louis, 
nearh' the whole of the great Mis- 
sissippi Valley was a wild, with the 
exception of the immediate neigh- 
borhoods of New Orleans, Natchez, 
Fort de Chartres, St. Genevieve, 
Kaskaskia, Cahokia, and a few 
more military posts. From the 
sparseness of the inhabitants in the 
villaofos and even in New Orleans. 




OLD SPANISH FORT. (Foot of Greene Street. 



the capital of the Province of Louisiana, there were no castes in society, 
and, with the exception of the commandants, and a few royal officers, there 
was a perfect equality among the others. They were almost all hunters 
and trappers, those being the leading pursuits at that period, and con- 
sequently rough, ignorant, and characterized by a freedom of manner 
always incident to the Caucasian race, when free from the refining influ- 
ences of education and society. Hence, in their intercourse with each 
other, they were known by the first, middle, or last names, as accident 



58 INTRODUCTION. 

prompted. The first, or Christian name, was the most frequently used, 
as it is now among school-boys, and among the pioneers of civilization to 
this day. Probably some companion of Ligiiest, who had known him ' 
from his infancy under the appellation of Laclede, and accompanied him 
from France to New Orleans, called him by that name, which became 
henceforward his title among his new friends and follo^vers. 

It has been said by some that it was the custom of the French at that 
early day to transpose their names at pleasure, and, to confirm this decla- 
ration, it is asserted that Louis St. Ange de Bellerive, the first com- 
mandant of St. Louis, in all his signatures to the grants he made, signed 
himself .S^^. Ange. This is no support to the evidently erratic idea of 
such a custom prevailing. De Bellerive was evidently a titled name, and 
in his signatures he had a right exclusively to retain it, or link it with 
his first and family name, or even to drop it altogether. His signatures 
show that he did the latter; he signing himself simply St. Ange, which 
was his patronymic. 

Some of them, having an honorable title appended to their family 
names, pursued an entirely contrary course. La Salle, whose untitled 
name was Robert Cavelier, always signed himself La Salle, dropping 
altogether his patronymic. But there is no instance on record where 
the titled name and family name are both dropped, and either the first 
or middle name signed. From conclusive recorded facts, we must 
henceforth reject the name of Laclede as the family name of the founder 
of St. Louis, and adopt the proper one of Liguest. We will now 
proceed to give some of the instruments to which Liguest has affixed 
his signature. There is a deed No. 9 in the armory of the French and 
Spanish Archives, in which there is a conveyance of a house and lot by 
Liguest to Madame Chouteau, for the benefit of her children. The 
grantor signs himself Laclede Liguest. The deed is dated May 12th, 
1768. There are two more deeds among these ancient records, num- 
bering 38 and 39, in which his name is signed in the same manner — one 
a conveyance to Jacques Noise, alias Labbe, dated December 10th, 1768, 
and the other. No. 201, a conveyance to Ignace Laroche, dated May 
15th, 1768. In the Livre Terrein, Piernas confirms all the cessions of St. 
Ange de Bellerive, and among the other signatures to the instrument 
app'ears that of Liguest. We could give a dozen more instances; in 
some of which he signs his name Pierre Laclede L/iguest. In all of 
his signatures, he claims Liguest as his family name. 



CONTENTS. 



I*-A.DFt.T I. 




CHAPTER I. 

A General View of the Great "West. — Its Early 
History and Settlement. — Its General Resources 
and Curiosities 65 



History of the St. Louis Press. 



163 



lE»-A.aEl.T XZX. 

CHAPTER I. 

Laclede Liguest and his companions start from New 
_^ _ ^, Orleans, August, 1763, and arrive at St. Gene- 
" ^/^RISJ CHUR'''^ " vieve in November. — Leave St. Genevieve and 
go to Fort de Chartres. — He makes a Voyage of 
Discovery to the Mouth of the Missouri. — Selects tiie spot for his Trading Post. 
— Settlement of St. Louia, February 15, 1764. "Visit of the Missouri Indians. — 
Treaty of 1763. — Secret Treaty between France and Spain. — Increase of St. 
Louis. — Early Habits of the Settlers — Rage of the people when informed of the 
secret treaty. — Arrival of Louis St. Ange de Bellerive at St. Louis. — Granting 
of land. — Popularity of the commandant. — The attachment of the Indians to 
the French — Their hatred of the English. — Laying out of St. Louis. — Its ex- 
tent in 1764 and 1780. — Its appearance before any buildings were erected. — 
Style of Dwellings. — Names of principal inliabitants. — Grant made to Liguest 
of tlie land on wliich he tirst commenced to build. — Grant of land on La Petite 
Riviere. — Mills built thereon. — First Mortgage. — First Marriage. — Laud reserved 
for Church. — First Baptism — Tlie place for a Public Square. — Unfavorable news 
from New Orleans. — The arrival of Kios. — The determination of tlie inliabitants 
to resist Spanish autliority. — Rios leaves St. Louis when the news readies him 
that the Spanisli commandant was driven from New Orleans. — Joy of the in- 
habitants. — The Common Fields. — Their Regulations. — Names of Common Fields. 
— Arrival of Pontiac. — His Appearance. — His Fame. — His visit to Cahokia. — 
His Assassination. — His Burial in St. Louis. — Extermination of the Illinois In- 
dians. — The arrival of O'Reilly in New Orleans. — His reception by the people. 
— Five of the inhabitants are executed, and six sent to the dungeons in Cuba. 
— The first Church is built in St. Louis. — Its Consecration by Father Gibault. — 
Arrival of Piernas in St. Louis. — He takes possession of the town. — French 
Domination ceases in Louisiana 238 



CHAPTER n. 

Pedro Piernas. — His Policy. — His Character. — His Popularity. — Death of St. Ange 
de Bellerive. — His Character. — His Will. — Piernas is threatened with Assassina- 
tion by an Osage chief — Cruzat becomes Lieutenant-Governor. — The American 
Revolution. — The hatred of the Spaniards to the English. — Smuggled Goods. — 
Ferry across the Maramec. — Character of Cruzat. — Don Fernando de Leyba.- - 



60 rONTKNTS. 

Dottth of riori\> Laolede Tiijjuoat. — Hia Appenranco. — His Charnctor. — Fonr of 
the ImUrtiis. — Attack on St. rAniis. — L'tinnre dii Coup. — Poath of Don Foniaiulo 
do Loyba. — Siiivooiioii l>v rarlaboiia. — Arrival of Oriizat. — Flood of tlio Missis- 
sippi. — 'I'lio riralos of liraiul Towor. — Piratos of Oottoiiwood I'^rook. — L'aiDUY 
(ics di,t batlr'au.r. — Tlio daiiijor from Indians. — Pain Court — Administration of 
Perez — Tnidoau and Oolassus. — l,ari;o (Grants. — Fover of Spi'cnlation.— ^Napo- 
loou Uona}>arlo. — Oossion of tlio Frovimv of J,outsianii to Franco. — Franco Sells 
it to tlio United Stales. — Knd of Spanish nomination 2(jO 

niArTKIl 111. 

Frenoh ("1 rants. — Spanish Ci rants. — rartiality for the Lands oontaininc load ore, 
or where Salines eonld he fonnd. — flie daiijter from Indians in working; the 
Mines and Salines, — The prol>al>ilily of ninny frandnlent claims. — Number of 
Houses in St. l.ouis at the time of the transfer of the Trovinee of L niisiana to 
the United States. — Mow the Houses were built. — IVseription of the principal 
Houses and Public lUiildiiij>-s in the Villasje in ISOt. — Haptism of Half-breeds 
and an Indian Child. — Morals of the Men and Women. — The mode of determin- 
ing: Uisputes. — The Customs, HabitvS, and Plea.sures of the Inhabitanta. — Names 
of the chief Merchants, Tradei-s, .and Tradesmen at the time of the ("Session to 
the United States. — The locality of the Residences of tlio principal Inhabitant.s. 
— Prices of iloods. — Moikfifur Tard{^' and Cevrtuil 'J.SO 

OHAPTKR IV. 

St. Louis under the United States Oovernment. — M.ajor Stoddard. — Cieneral Wilk- 
inson. — Lieutenant Pike. — Lewis and Clarke. — The Increase of Population of 
the Town.— The Kstablishment of a Post-(.>tIlce. — The MisDouri Cazfth: — The 
Trial of Indian Murderers. — flie Delj\waix» and Shawnee Indians near Cape 
Girardeau. — The lirst Man hung in St. Louis. — Death of Governor Meriwether 
Lewis. — Government of St. Louis. — Sitisjular Ordinances — The Mails. — The 
Population and Hiisiness of tiie City. — Curious Advertisements. — The Old 
iLirket built. — Louisiana Territory chauiivd to Missoiiri Territory — The Mis- 
souri Fur Company. — The manner of the orijani/.ation of Fur l\>mpanies. — 
Anecdotes ivlated by a Trader. — Trouble with the Indians in 1812 from British 
instiiration. — Intluence of General Clarke over them. — .V Travelliiij,' Maiiician. 
— Paiik of St. Louis. — Pank of Missouri. — St. Louis Prices Current. — Kxpondi- 
ture of St. Louis. — Formation of the Missouri Bible Society 291 

ClIAPTKR V. 

Duel between Thomas C. Rector and Joshua Barton. — The latter Killed. — Fur 
Companies. — Battle with the Indians. — Disastrous Det'eat of the Whites, — Fred- 
erick Bates elected Governor. — Visit of Lafayette. — Route Surveyed to New- 
Mexico. — Con.seeration of the First Presbyterian Church — General ^iiller elected 
Governor. — Arsenal built. — Streets named — Stampede from the Jail.— Market 
built. — Benevolent Societies. — Branch Bank ol' the United States, — Improve- 
ments and chaiisxes in St. Louis, — Impeachment of Jiidije Peck. — Population in 
lS:n. — Fatal Duel. — Black Hawk War. — Love of the Iniiabitants of St, Louis 
for Politics. — Conduct of the People at the news of the Veto to the Ivecharterin>j 
of the United States B.ink. — Tiie Cholera. — Trial of Judjje Carr. — .fudge Merry 
elected Mayor. — His Flection declared Unconstitutional. — Building of a Hospi- 
tal for the Sisters of Charity. — Sale of the City Commons. — Gamblei-s. — Inter- 
nal Impivvement t\)nvention. — Burning- of a Negro Munlerer [Vil 

CHAPTFR VL 



IS;'7. — Act to Incorporate the Bank of the State of Mis.souri. — Its 
lei-s. — Its tii-st Dinvtors. — The Bar o-. the PnMich. — Daniel Webster 



St. Louis in l! 

Conimissionei"s. _. 

and family visit St. Louis. — Their Reception. — Sj>eech of Webster. — The great 
Financial Crisis of 1837. — Suspension of the Bank of the State of Missouri. — 



CONTENTS. 61 



Ruin of Business. — Death of David Barton. — Murder of Thomas M. Dou;rhertv. 
— Whij? Vij^ilance Committee. — Death of General William Clark. — Kemper 
College built, — Meetintf of the principal Mechanics. — Establishment of a 
Criminal Court. — Bulldinff of Christ Church. — Incorporation of the St. LooLs 
Ifotel Company, who built the Planters' Hou.se. — Monvi MiMirjivlis fever. — 
Missouri ftilk C<jmpany Inajrporated — P^xtent of St. I/jui.s. — Incorporation of a 
Oas-Li;.'Iit Company. — Boundary Question between Mis.souri and Iowa. — Diffi- 
, culty with Illinois concerning removal of a Sand-Vjar. — Laying Comer-stf>ne of 
an addition to Court-house. — Bank of the State of Mi.ssfjuri throws out all the 
notes of the Banks not paying specie. — Distress in Busine.s.s. — Comer-stone of 
St. I/juis College laid. — Proprietor of the Arg^m beaten. — Dies. — Trial of Wil- 
liam P. Dames. — Number of Insurance Offices in St. I/juLs. — Murder, Fire, and 
Arson. — The L>i.«covery of the Murderers. — Their Trial and Conviction. — Their 
Attempt to Escape. — Their Execution. — Synopsis of the Business Statistics of 
S'. Louis : 358 

CHAPTER VIL 

Laying of the Corner-stone of the Centenary Church. — Death of General Atkin- 
son. — Of Judge Lucas. — Opening of the Gla.scow House. — Execution on Dun- 
can's Island. — Arrival of Audubon at St. Loui.s. — Arrival of Richard M. John- 
son, of Kentucky. — Death of Major John Pilcher. — Death of Judge Engle. — 
Arrival of Macready — His Dramatic Popularity. — Forrest. — Hackett. — Arrival 
of Professor Silliman. — Of Josiah Quincy, jr. — Briskness of Trade in St. I/OuLs. 
— Unparalleled Rise in the MLisissippi. — The Waters Overflow the Levee, and 
fill the first stories of the Buildings. — Consternation of the Inhabitants. — P^e- 
ports from the Illinfiis and Missouri Rivers. — More than five hundred destitute 
families quart<;red in the City. — Philanthropy of the Citizens. — The Three Great 
Floods. — Buildings put up in 1844 — Death of Colonel Sublette. — Constitution 
Revised. — Mercantile Library. — I>eatli of Mrs. Biddle. — Her Monument. — Her 
Charities. — Harbor Obstructions. — War with Mexico. — Great Excitement. — ^St. 
Louis Legion. — Patriotic feeling and actions of the Citizens. — Consecration of 
Odd Fellow.s' Hall. — Pork-Packing 378 

CHAPTER VIIL 

Incorporation of Boatmen's Saving Institutiou. — Celebration of the Anniversary of 
the Founding of St. Louis. — The Great Proce.ssion. — Pierre Chouteau. — The Ad- 
dress delivered by Wilson Primm, Esq. — The Dinner at the Planters' Hou.se. 
— The Great Illumination of the City in honor of General Taylor's Victorie.s. 
— An eagle loo.sed from its cage. — Great Famine in Scotland and Ireland. — 
Meeting of the Inhabitants of St. Louis to afford Relief to those Countries. — 
The Magnetic Telegraph. — Interest in Railroads. — Ohio and Missi.ssippi Rail- 
road. — Complimentary Dinner to General Shields. — General Taylor a lavorite 
with the People of St. Louis. — They determine to run him lor the Presidency. 
— News of the outbreak in Paris. — Meeting of the Citizens- — Louis Napoleon. 
— Lamartine. — Death of Edward Cliarless. — General Kearney. - Cholera appears. 
— Purchase of Belle Fontaine Cemetery. — Great Fire — Twenty-three Steamboats 
consumed. — Whole blocks of houses destroyed. — Three millions of property 
consumed. — Death of T. B. Targee. — Building again Commenced. — Main street 
Widened. — Reappearance of the Cholera. — Its Mortality. — Disagreement of the 
Doctors. — City Council forbid the sale of Vegetables. — Revoke the Act. — 
Fatality of the Disease among the Emigrants. — Quarantine Established. — The 
eflect of the Fire and Cholera upon St. Louis. — Tiie Resumption of Basiness on 
a more extensive scale. — Prosperous Indications. — National Pacific Railroad 
Convention. — St. Louis Medical College built. — Tragedy at the City Hotel. — 
Two French noblemen Arrested. — Their Trial and Acquittal 395 



LIST OF BIOGRAPHIES. 



Page 

Colonel John O'Fallon. .• 79 

John Sappiugton 85 

Hon. Edward Bates 86 

Henry Von Phul, Esq. 90 

Hon. John F. Darby 94 

Kennetli Mackenzie, Esq 98 

Samuel Gaty, Esq 102 

Col. Thornton Grinisley lOG 

Col. Lewis V. Bogy HO 

Capitain John Simonds 114 

George R. Taylor, Esq 119 

Adolphus Meier, Esq 123 

Hon. Trusten Polk 124 

Bernard Pratle, Esq 128 

Henry D. Bacon, Esq 132 

Peter G. Camden, Esq 136 

Robert M. Funkhauser, Esq 140 

Dr. M. L. Linton 144 

Hon. James S. Green 149 

-Hon. Luther M. Ke'nnett 153 

Samuel B. Wigghis, Esq 157 

John Hogan, Esq 158 

St. Louis Press 163 

Nathaniel Paschall, Esq 167' 

A. P. Ladew, Esq 169 

Col. George Knapp 170 

Col. Charles Keemle 171 

Abram S. Mitchell, Esq 173 

William McKee, Esq. 175 

George W. Fish back. Esq 176 

James H. Lucas, Esq 185 

Robert A. Barnes, Esq 188 

Louis A. Benoist, Esq 193 

Coh Joshua B. Brant 197 

Capt. John J. Roe 201 

Gen. Nathan Ranney 202 

Theron Barnura, Esq 206 

Dr. Anderson 210 

Sullivan Blood, Esq 215 

John A. Brownlee, Esq 219 

Henry A mes, Esq 223 

Henry T. Blow, Esq 224 

Rev. Dr. M. McAnally 228 

George Partridge, Esq 233 

William Glasgow, Jr., Esq 237 



Page 

Petej Lindell, Esq 421 

Brig. Gen. Daniel Marsh Frost 427 

Marinus Willett Warne, Esq 428 

Washington King, Esq 432 

Thomas Allen, Esq 437 

Isaac Rosenfeld, Jr , Esq 440 

Richard H. Cole, Esq 445 

William G. Clark, Esq 449 

Hon. John Richard Barret 450 

Gerard B. Allen, Esq 454 

William L. Ewing, Esq 459 

Louis A. Lebaume, Esq 460 

Rev. S. B. McPiieeters 467 

Isaac H. Sturgeon, Esq 468 

John D. Daggett, Esq 472 

Rev. Truman Marcellus Post 476 

William T. Christy, Esq 481 

Thomas A. Bucklaud, Esq 485 

Edward Walsh, Esq 489 

Jonatlian Jones, Esq 493 

F. S. Ridgely, Esq 494 

John H. Gay, Esq 499 

Alonzo Child, Esq 503 

Dr. Charles A. Pope 507 

Robert Barth, Esq 508 

John Withnell, Esq 513 

The Filley Family 515 

Madame Elizabeth Ones 529 

The Chouteau Family 533 

Pierre Chouteau, Esq 536 

The Soulard Family 541 

James G. Soulard, Esq 542 

The Right Reverend Cicero Stephens 

Hawks, D.D 544 

John S. McCune, Esq 551 

Hon. John Marshall Krum 555 

Henry Boernstein, Esq 556 

Hon. Francis P. Blair, Jr 560 

Alexander Kayser, Esq 564 

Major Henry S. Turner. 569 

Dr. William Carr Lane 571 

John J. Anderson, P]sq 575 

B. W. Alexander, Esq 579 

Aaron W. Fagin, Esq 580 

Joseph Charless, Esq 584 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Page 
Presentation Plate, (fiicin-' Title). 
View nil Lucas Place ao. 

Jewish Svnagosi'ue 50 

Portrait of Kichanl Edwards 52 

Ijindell House 5G 

Old Spanish Fort 57 

Gav's Buildings (S-t 

St." Louis r G5 

Braddock's Battle Field ()5 

N'iew of Pittsburgh 67 

Father llartjuette introducing Joliet to 

the Indians GS 

View of Cincinnati from Mt. Auburn. CO 

Bird's Eye View of Chicago 71 

View of the Citv of Milwaukee, Wis. . 73 

Bird's Eye View of the City of Detroit, 75 

Portrait "of Col. John O'Fallon 77 

John Sappington, Esq S3 

Hon. E<iward Bates S7, 58St 

" Ilenrv Von Phul, Esq 91 

" Hon." John F. Darby 95 

" Kenneth Mackenzie, Esq. . 99 

Samuel Gatv. Esq. .'. 103 

Col. Thnrnt'on Grimsley... 107 

Col. Lewis V. Bogv Ill 

Capt. John Sinioni\s 115 

George R. Taylor, Esq. . . . 117 

" Adolphus Meier, Esq 121 

" Hon. Trnsten Polk 125 

" Bernard Pratte, Esq 129 

" Henry D. Bacon, Esq 133 

" Peter G. Camden, Esq 137 

" Eub't if. Fiinkhauser, Esq. 141 

" Dr. M. L. Linton 145 

" Hon. James S. Green 147 

" Hon. Luther M. Kennett.. 151 

" Samuel B. Wiggins, Esq.. 1-^5 

" Jolir. Hogan. Esq 159 

" St. Louis Editors, viz. : La- 
dew, Knapp, M'Kee, Pas- 

. chall, Keemle, Mitchell. 163 

" James F. Lucas, Esq. ..... 183 

" Robert A. Barnes, Esq 189 

" Louis A. Benoist, Esq 191 

" Col. Joshua B. Brant 195 

" Capt.John J. Eoe 197 

" Gen. Nathan Kanney 203 

'' Theron Barnum, Esq 207 

Rev. S. J. P. Anderson, D.D. 211 

Sullivan Blood, Esq 213 

" John A. Brownlee, Esq. . . 217 

" Henrv Ames, Esq 221 

Henry T. Blow, Esq 225 

" George Pai-tridge, Esq 231 

" Willi"am Glasgow, Jr., Esq. 235 

Bird's Eve View of Citv 'of St. Louis.. 239 

St. John's Church 2.=iO 

Missouri Listitute for the Blind 250 

View on Fourth Street 251 

St. Louis High School 266 

First Congregational Church 266 

View on Main Street 267 

Church of the Messiah 282 

Concordia College 282 

Graham tt Newman's New Building.. 283 

Bank of St. Louis 283 

Custom House and Post OlUce 283 

Uuiou Presbyterian Cluirch 29S 



Page 

O'Fallon Polytechnic Institute 298 

Washington "Universitv 299 " 

First Methodist Epis. Church, South . 299 

Submarine Steamer 314 

Missouri Medical College 314 

Christian Brothers' School 314 

New Masonic Hall 315 

Mercantile Library Hall Building 315 

Normal School . . ." ' 330 

t. Paul's Episcopal Church 330 

Old Houses 331 

First Presbyterian Ch., Lucas Place.. 331 

View on Lucas Place 84(J 

St. Louis University 341*'- 

Second Baptist Church 347 

City University 347 

Second Presbvterian Church 362 

Christ Churcii 362 

Centenary Methodist Epis. Church... 363 

Old Russell ALin^ion 363 

Portrait of Peter Lindcll, Esq 419 

" General Frost : 425 

" M. W. Warne, Esq 42'.t 

" Washington King, Esq.. . . 433 

" Thomas Allen, Esq 435 

" Isaac Rosenfeld, Jr 441 

Richard H. Cole, Esq 443 

" William G. Clark, Esq 447 

" Hon. John Barret 451 

" Gerard B. Allen, Esq 455 

" William L. Ewing, E-kj 457 

" JiOuis A. Lebaume, Esq. . . 461 

" Rev. S. B. McPheeters 46:. 

" Isaac H. Sturgeon, Esq 469 

" John 1). Daggett, Esq 473 

" Rev. '1 nunan M. Post 477 

" William T. Cliristv, Esq.. 479 

" Thomas A. Buckland, Esq. 483 

" Edward Walsh, Esq 487 

" Jonathan Jones, Esq 491 

F. L. Ridgelv 495 

" John H. Gav, Esq 497 

" Alonzo Child, Esq". 501 

" Dr. Charles A. Pope 505 

" Robert Baith, Esq 509 

" John Withnell, E.sq 511 

Original map of St. Louis , 519'' 

Portrait of JLidamc Elizabeth Ortes. . 527 

" Pierre Chouteau, Esq 531 

Barnum's Hotel 534 

Old Chouteau Mansion 534 - 

Pi rtrait of James G. Soulard, Lsq 537 

'' Bishop Hawks 545 

" John S. McCune, Esq 549 

" Hon. J. M. Kruni 553 

" H. Boernstein. Ksq 557 

" Hon. F. P. Blair, jr 561 

" A, Kavser, Esq 565 

" Major'H. S. Turner 567 

" J. J. Anderson, Esq 573 

" B. W'. Alexander, Esq 577 

, A. W. Fagin. Esq 571 

" J. Charless, Esq 585 -» 

" Hon. Edward Bates 589 

Portraits of governors and mayors of 
St. Louis, viz. : McNair, Stewart, 

Lane, and Filley 604 ,» 



TI-IE GEEAT WEST 



HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 
PART 1. 



CHAPTER I. 

A GENERAL VIEW OF THE GKEAT WEST. ITS EARLY HISTORY AND SET- 
TLEMENT. ITS GENERAL RESOURCES AND CURIOSITIES. 

A CENTURY af^o all west of the Alleghany Mountains was a wild, 
untravclled and unknown by the white man, and the home of the Indian, 
then enjoyiiif^ the wild independence incident to his mode of life, and 
imcontaminated by tlie vices of civilization. 




BEADDOCK's battle-field near riTTBBUBOII. 

Tn the month of July, 1755, a gallant army, under the command of a 
gallant general fresh from the Albion Isle, was marching through a dreary 
wilderness, with slow and toilsome progress, being compelled to cut its 
way through a forest which impeded its advance, and which for ages had 
formed a secure cover for the panther, the bear, the deer, and the wild 
sons of the forest, who sought in the chase these animals for their sub- 
2 



66 THE GREAT WEST, ETC. 

sistcnce. The army was commanded by General Braddock, and the 
object was the reduction of Fort Duquesne, then in the possession of the 
French, and on the site where the flourishing city of Pittsbur2:h now 
stands. How that gaUant army was surprised in the narrow deflles of 
the mountains by a large force of the French and Indians, and their 
commander mortally wounded, and was buried in the unknown wilds, 
belongs not to the province of this work to depict. The fact has been 
merely touched upon to illustrate our design, and to strengthen by an 
historical allusion our subsequent narrative. 

A century and four years have elapsed since that period. The tall 
forests have been felled ; the howling of the wild beasts has long since 
ceased to be heard ; the red men that owned these vast regions have all 
disappeared, and are only known to the present inhabitants from the 
pages of history and the wild memorials of uncertain tradition. Crops 
and gardens, fruits and flowers, thrifty villages and large cities now 
flourish on the land where then waved a primitive wilderness. 

It was many years after the defeat of Braddock ; and the country had 
been ceded by the French to England, and the latter country had also 
lost her rich provinces in her turn by the war of the PkCvolution, before 
Pittsburgh, now one of the most considerable manufacturing towns in 
the Union, was laid out. In 1784 the town was plannedi and named. 
Previous to that time it was Fort Duquesne; It now contains more 
than 150,000 inhabitants, and is noted for its iron manufactures and the 
extent of its coal exportations ; in this last-named business there are more 
than five thousand hands employed. 

Let us look from the Iron City a little farther west. Ohio, Indiana, 
Illinois and Missouri spread over the vast area with their fertile terri- 
tories ; their inhabitants are marked for their enterprise and intelligence ;: 
vast cities adorn the shores of the l!akes and the margins of the extensive- 
rivers; flourishing villages everywhere dot the prairies; railroads run. 
through every part; and all the rays of n-fined civilization radiate in 
every direction through their extensive domains. 

Let us go farther back in the track of Time, when the wild buffalo 
roamed over the vast prairies, and the ploughshare of the white man had 
not torn the virgin turf. In the year 1673,. at the farthest point on the 
Fox River ever visited by a Avhite man, there were assembled in council 
the chiefs of the Miamies, the Macoutins, and other neighboring tribes ;, 
and among them were two Frenchmen, accompanied by live of their own 
nation and two Algonquin Indians. The two leaders were Father Mar- 
quette, a monk and missionary from France, and M. Joliet, a French 
trader of daring courage and enterprise. According to the wishes of the> 
Governor of Canada they were then on their way to discover the great 
Mississippi, whose existence was vaguely known to the Indians in Canada;, 
and from the reports of its magnitude, the whites thought to be identical* 
with the great river discovered many hundred miles farther south, by De 
iSoto, more than a century before ; or, it may be, flowing into the Pacific- 
Ocean. 

Father Marquette and Joliet had stopped, at that point to gather what- 
ever information they could obtain regarding the perilous journey, and 
also, if possible, to get sonae assistance. 

FatheT Marquette for many years had been a dweller among the In- 



11 KR COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 



67 




68 



THE GREAT WEST, ETC 



diaus, and such was his meekness, his patience and his goodness, that he 
was more adored than loved by the untutored tribes with which he 
dwelt. In accordance with the wishes of the representative of his king 
in America, and to carry into still more remote wilds the name and his- 
tory of his Redeemer, he undertook, with M. Joliet, the perilous adven- 
ture. When the chiefs met in their great council he fearlessly stood 
among them. " My companion," said he, " is an envoy from France to 







FATHER MARQUETTE INTRODDCINO JOLIET TO THE INDIANS. 



discover new countries, and I am an ambassador ft-om God to enlighten 
them with the gospel." These distant Indians treated them with the 
most marked respect, but did all thev could to deter them from a con- 
tinuance of their voyage. They told them that the river w^as filled with 
strange monsters whicli would devour theni, and that the tribes of Indians 
that inhabited its banks were cruel and hostile to strangers. Finding all 
of their dissuasions fruitless, they assisted them to carry their little canoes 
over the narrow portage which divides the Wisconsin from the Fox River, 



HER COMilERCIAL METROPOLIS. 



6y 




'0 THE GKEAT WEST, ETC. 



and left them on the banks of the first mentioned river, expecting never 
to look upon them again. 

It was the tenth of June, 1673, that they glided down the stream of 
the Wisconsin, sometimes skirted with prairies stretching far in the dis- 
tance like a vast sea, until blended with and lost in the horizon ; and 
sometimes the thick forest waved over the margin, bounding and impeding 
the vision with its thickness. On the seventeenth, they saw the " Father of 
Waters," and chanted the Me Exaudiat and De Profundis on his eddying 
current ; and in a few days afterward had a conference with the Illinois 
Indians. It was from this tribe that the flourishing state of Illinois 
takes its name, and the word is very suggestive — meaning, in the signifi- 
cant language of the Algonquins, " We are men." 

It is not our purpose in this part of our narrative to dwell any farther 
on the voyage of tlie gentle Marquette, or disclose more of his history; 
in another portion of this work, when we will thoronghlv treat of the 
Mississippi valley, we will give a full description of the life of this self- 
sacrificing missionary, and relate, in detail, all the incidents of his perilous 
undertaking. At present we are merely mentioning these fii'st pioneers 
of the wilderness in our rapid and general view of the Great West, m-jrely 
for the purpose of dating the era of the advent of the white man in this 
important {)art of our Union. 

The next daring spirit who ventured in those unexplored wilds was 
Robert Cavalier de La Salle, of an illustrious family, formerly of the 
order of Jesus ; but who, becoming moved by the spirit of chivalrous 
adventure, had forsaken the. convent, and by his address had obtained 
from his sovereign, Louis XIV. of France, the right to discover, subdue and 
govern, in his name, a country stretching over an immense area, yet in a 
state of nature, and inhabited only by the Indian. We find him on the 
Illinois river in the autumn of the year 1G79, accompanied by Father 
Hennepin and the chivalrous De Tonti. At this time the expedition had 
nearly all perished ; and the star of La Salle, which had just arisen on 
the horizon of fame, liad nearly disappeared as soon as seen. Famine and 
winter both assailed hun ; discontent, which had almost broken out in 
open mutinv, prevailed among his followers; and the maladies incident 
to a new and malarious climate had thinned their numbers and reduced 
their strength. 

Assailed by such a combination of misfortunes, almost any other nature 
but the iron one of La Salle, had yielded to the force of circumstances, 
and submitted to what appeared a manifest destiny ; but he, self-reliant 
and persevering roused the drooping spirits of his followers, and built a 
fort just above where the flourishing city of Peoria now stands, with its 
twenty-five thousand inhabitants, and gave it the significant name of 
Creoc- Coeur {fivokan Heart). His fortunes were sombre at that time, and 
the name had a poetical allusion. 

As we have before said, it is not now intended to give any other than 
a passing allusion to incidents at this place, and therefore we will not 
dwell any farther at the present on the explorations and voyages of this 
illustrious Frenchman. Let it suffice, that he established several French 
posts or fortifications in the state of Illinois, which formed the nuclei 
around which the hardy pioneers from Canada could settle with a pros- 



HER COMMERCIAL SfETROPOLIS. 



71 




r2 THE GREAT WEST, ETC. 



pect of safety, and coinincncetl the tirst eftbrts to reclaim tlie wilderness, 
and adsanee the cause of civilization. 

Attendant upon these early exhibitions were men bnrnino^ Avith a 
pious zeal, and intent only to light the t(n-ch of faith in the wis^wams of 
the savages, who dwelt in the darkness of a heatlien creed. The Jesuit 
missionaries were often a thousand miles in advance of civilization, ami, 
armed only with the crucifix and breviary, visited the most savage tribes, 
that they might turn them from a mistaken faith; teach them the hopes 
and blessings revealed in the Apocalypse; and by degrees curb their 
savage appetites by learning them the gentle amenities of life. Without 
a shudder, they sought a people who joyed in the gratification of these 
bloody instincts ; fearlessly breathed the poisonous malaria arising 
from the rivers, ponds and w-atercourscs ; and without a murmur or a 
thought of regret, lived upon roots for their sustenance. They lived a 
holy life and devoted it to the enlightenment of their benighted brethren; 
and when they died, a prayer was on their lips, and their joyful spirits, 
uncorrupted by the impurities of earth, winged their victorious tlight to 
their native skies. AVe could dwell with interest and admiration on the 
trials, sufterings and labors of these holy and undefiled men, but in this 
general sketch it would occupy more space than is consistent with our 
intention. The names of Fathers Mesnard, Allouez, Marquette, Kasles, 
Gravier, Marest, and many others, are interwoven with the early history 
of the Western wilds, and their goodness, rectitude and Christian virtues 
gleam brightly, when contrasted with the dark selfishness and cruelty 
which subsequently characterized the conduct of the white men in their 
intercourse with the savages. 

The great states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri, were first 
settled by the French, Ohio by emigrants chlefiy from the Fastcrn and 
middle states, and Kentucky and Tennessee by natives from Virginia and 
the Carolinas. It has only been since the Revolutionary war that the 
Great West of the Union occupied to any extent the public mind, and 
that her great natural resources became known atid partially developed. 
We will take a transient glance at some of her large cities, and see bow 
many years they have been growing to their present n)agnitude and 
importance. 

Cincinnati, now containing more tlian two hundred thousand inhabi- 
tants, was founded in 1789. Louisville, in 1788, contained but thirty 
inhabitants; Milwaukee, in 1834, contained only twenty houses; the first 
house was erected in St. Louis in 1764 ; and Chicago, with its 160,000 
inhabitants, was laid out in 1830. In the fertile state of Illinois, now 
with her thousand miles of railroad in operation, and numbering now a 
million of souls, the population in 1812 was but little more than twelve 
thousand inhabitants; and all over the great West, the flourishing cities 
that adorn the banks, and pulsate with all the healthful elements of busi- 
ness prosperity, were but the growth of yesterday. Less than a century 
ago the elk and the buffalo roamed over the wide prairies, and the red 
men, in their wild independence, sounded their warwhoop and prayed 
to their Manitos. The whole country, stretching from the Alleghany to 
the Mississippi, has filled up in a shorter time than ever regions did 
before, and now the great West is the granary of the LTnion, and to it 
the enterprising of all Classes, conditions and avocations, not only from 



HEE OOMMERCIAi METK0P0LI8. 



73 




74 THE GREAT WEST, ETC. 

our Atlantic cities, but from the European continent, flock in almost in- 
credible numbers, to better their fortunes and increase the population of 
the favored regions. 

The number of bushels of wheat, corn, oats, barley and rye, shipped 
from Chicago the 'ast year, reached the astounding number of 18,032,<j76 
bushels; and the number of surplus hogs, raised in the West at the same 
period, amounted to 1,81 8, 408 — the value of which Avoiild exceed 
§30,000,000. The number of cattle sent from the rich prairies to the 
Eastern markets is almost incredible, and the trade in alcohol and 
whiskey is, unfortunately for the good of mankind, immense — Cincinnati 
alone distilling half a million of barrels annually. 

The mineral resources until recently Avere comparatively unknown, and 
even now they are not fully developed. Coal, iron and lead exist in large 
deposits in almost cverv state cf the West. Rich veins of copper are 
also found, and California, Oregon, and their contiguous regions, now 
furnish such annual yields of our most precious metal, that gold, which 
was formerly carefully garnered in the Eastern cities, and kept for com- 
mercial purposes, has almost become the natural currency in every por- 
tion of the Union, and has given an increased vitality to every branch of 
national industry. 

A score of years past emigration rarely passed the Eastern bounds of 
the Mississippi River, but since the annexation of California, so as to pro- 
mote a direct intercourse between that rich and important country and 
its sister states, an overland mail route has been establislied between St. 
Louis and San Francisco, a distance of 2,795 miles, which will attract 
attention to that extensive intervening country, and soon its resources 
will be developed by an enterprising emigration. Railroads are gradually 
extending toward the setting sun, and tiie whistles of the ponderous 
engines, with their rushing trains, will ere long be heard where the waves 
of the vast Pacific wash our Western borders. AVhen that great con- 
necting link, with its various branches, will have been finished, and not 
until then, will the wealth and resources of the " Great West " be fully 
unfolded, and its importance be fully displayed to the world. Even now, 
as we before observed, it is the granary of the Union, and principally 
feeds the crowded manufacturing and commercial cities of the East, and 
supplies the rich cotton and sugar plantations of the South with the 
stamina of subsistence. 

The exports from the United States in the year 1857 amounted to 
the enormous sum of 338,987,065 dollars — the value of our domestic 
commerce. Of this the valuation of wheat was 822,240,857; in flour, 
$25,882,316, and in Indian corn, $5,184,660. This immense aggregate 
of the three great staples of the West, amounting to more than $53,- 
000,000, that was exported in produce, must have all come from those 
fertile regions, left of the superabundance, after atfording a supply to the 
East and South. 

It is something surprising in the history of the AVest, that all of the 
first settlements should have never obtained, at a subsequent day, any 
respectable size, or business importance. Green Bay, Calokia, Kaskaskia, 
Creve-Coeur, Fort Chartres, and St. Vincent's, (now Vincennes) which 
were the earliest settlements in the West, have not only been far out- 
stripped by cities of recent birlh, but most of them have fallen into a state 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 



76 



^'t,m^mM 








76 THE GREAT WEST, ETC. 



of decline, and some into ruins. Creve-Ganir is no more, and Fort de 
Chartres, which at the time it was built was more than a half mile from 
the river, is now wholly abandoned, and the rapid current of the Missis- 
sippi has chano-ed its' course and flows through the old fortifications. 
We o-ive belowin a tabular form the names of the principal cities of the 
West, with the periods of their being; founded by the French, who laid 
claim to all of the western country, and commenced the early settlements: 

Detroit w:is founded in 1700, ai:d now contains 65,000 inhabitants. 

" 150,000 " 

' " 75,000 " 

' " 220,000 " 

' " 50,000 " 

' " 160,000 " 

In the bodv of the preceding pages a reference to the Mississippi Val- 
ley has been made on several occasions, stating at the time that it was a 
portion of this history. It was the intention of the author, at the com- 
mencement of the book, to let a history of the Mississippi Valley form a 
portion of it, and it was written with that intention. It has since been 
withdrawn, owing to the voluminous nature of the work, but will in a 
short time be published in a separate volume. 



Pittsbur-rh " 


1784, 


Louisville " 


1785, 


* Cincinnati " 


1789, 


* Milwaukee " 


1834, 


* Chicago " 


1830, 



* These cities were not founded by the French. 




?S'^!1^^ -' ■ ' 



COLONEL J 11 .\ O ' F A L L O N 



(p. T7.) 



ENORAVI r> KXPRF.SST,T FOR THIS WORK FROM A PHOTOGRAPH BY IIROWN. 



BIOGRAPHIES. 



St. Louis contains a population of one 'hundred and ninety thousand 
inhabitants, and is gradually advancing to a most superb destiny. Her 
magnificent location — the centre of the great Mississippi Valley — and 
her present importance have become apparent to the world, and now, 
without a rival to dispute her pre-eminence, she is the acknowledged 
metropolis of the great western country. 

Biogi'aphies of those who have become identified with the progress of 
the great city, who have guided and directed its business currents year 
by year, swelling with the elements of prosperity, and who have left the 
impress of their genius and judgment upon the legislative enactments of 
the state, must be sought after with avidity, and must be fraught with 
useful instruction. It will be a source of satisfaction to the reader to 
know that the engravings of individuals who adorn this work are not 
drawn by the flighty imagination from airy nothingness; but represent 
the lineaments of men, nearly all of whom are living and breathing at this 
time, who have achieved lofty positions, are still active iti the busy, 
bustling world, and affoi'd sterling examples of business excellence and 
moral and social virtues. 

In writing the lives of these men, the author has not attempted to swell 
facts beyond their proper magnitude, for the incidents which make up the 
biographies are of sufficient importance in themselves to vest them with 
interest, without the adventitious aid of the imagination. 



COLONEL JOHN O'FALLON. 

The subject of this memoir was born on the 2.3d of November, 1791, 
near Louisville, Jefferson county, Kentucky ; and is consequently sixty- 
eight years of age. His father. Dr. James O'Fallon, was an Irish gentle- 
man of education, and lived in Roscommon county, Ireland, and immi- 
gi-ated to this country in the year 1Y74. He settled in Wilmington, 
North Carolina, and when his young adopted country, conscious of the 
justness of her cause, threw down the gage of battle to the most powerful 
nation on the globe, Dr. O'Fallon took a prominent part in the contest, 
which, after seven years' struggle, so fortunately accomplished our inde- 
pendence. He raised a troop of a hundred Irishmen in the state of Geor- 
gia, and, being appointed the captain, served in that capacity from 1775 
to the Battle of Brandy wine, in 1777. His professional services after 
that period were called into requisition, and so accomplished was he in 
the art of surgery, that he received the appointment of principal surgeon 
of the General Hospital of the United States, which important position he 
occupied until the close of the Revolution in 1783. 

While the elements which brewed the tempest of the Revolution were 



so COLONKL JOHN O FALLON. 

actively :it work, I)r. O'l^illoii, for h.-ivinti: oxprossoil his ropublicau priii- 
ciplos nvtlii'i- tot> tVoi'iy in ;i littlo Journal called the JAmv/////o. was thrown 
into prison by an lui^-lish jniverMor, when-' he remained until rescued by 
(uMierai Ashe with ei<;-ht hundred inilftia, and then lie turned tlie tal)Ie"s 
upon his Knjrlish exeelleney, forced hiui tt) take rofuijc in an English 
vessel in Cape Fear River, and so heartily was he frightened, that he never 
again ventured upon American soil. 

After the close of the revplutionary war, T^r. O'FaUon married the 
youngest sister of (Jeneral (Jeorgo Rogers Clark, and from that uniojj 
sprung the subject of this biography. From his youth, the young O'Fal- 
lon was remarkable for his popularity among his i;onipanions t'or his judg- 
ment, generosity and a predisposition for military glory. At tlic ago of 
nineteen, in tlie summer of 1811, he joinetl (leneral lliu-rison's army at 
Vineennes, Indiana, and in the autunm of that year took a prominent 
part in the memorable battle of Tippecanoe,, in which he was severelv 
wounded. 

After the battfe of Tippecanoe, he received a subaltern's, commission in 
the first reg.hnent of United States intantry, and arrived in St. Louis u\ 
January, 1 8 1 2. In the spring,he received from (lovernor Howard a captain's 
comnussion, and with lus company of eighty procee<lcd with an expedi- 
tion, commanded by Colonel Whiteside, of lilinois, against some bands of 
marauding Indians, who were invading with all t!>e horrors of savage war- 
fare the defenceless settlements in the northern part of the state of Illinois. 

lie was then ordered to take charge of some government boats bound 
for Fittsburgh, which arrived at their place of destination July, 1812, and 
aiterward he jiroceeded to Louisville for the purpose of ecpiipping himself 
to join GenenU Harrison, who was in C)hio, lie joined CJeneraf Harrison 
in October; at Franklinton, opposite Columbus, and was at once appointed 
to his stati". lie had the entire eontidence of his distinguished chief, and 
Wius with him at the siege of Fort Meigs, May, 1813, and afterward at tlie 
assault and capture of a British battery, on which occasion he was highly 
complimented for bis chivalrous behavior by his eomuianding general. 
In the autumn of 181,S he was at the memorable battle of'^the river 
Thames, still serving as aiile-de-camp,.and performing the duties of deinity- 
atljutant general, and remafneil with (Jeneral Karrison until tliat generars 
resignation in May, 1814. At the close of tlui war in 1 8 1 o, Colonel OTal- 
lon was the commandant of Fort Maiden, in Canada, opposite the moutli 
of the Detroit River. 

In August, 1818, ColonoLJohn OTallon resigned his commission in the- 
army, there being no tiehl to invite his military aspirations, and since that 
time has turned his attention to the more solid business avocations of life, 
anil always resided either in St. Louis or its vicinity. In 1821 he was 
engaged as contractor of tJie army, and traded extensively with the In- 
dians, lie was elected to the legislature in tlie same year, and served 
with honor and usefulness in that body for four years, the last two year* 
being a member of the Senate, AVhilst at J»>tTerson city, he took an active 
part in the passage of the celebrateil Loan \V\\l 

In 1821, Colonel O'Fallon was married to Miss Stokes, sister of AAiniiwn 
Stokes, who owned nearly a million dollars of landed estate in St, Louis. 
He was again married March lo, 1827, to Miss Caroline Sheetz, who came 
with her parents from the state of Maryland in 1824, By this marriage 



COLONEL JOUS o'fALLOX. 81 



there are five children, at present livings Caroline (now Mrs. Dr. Pope)- 
James J, (J'Fallon, married to Miss Nanuie Harris, of Kentucky, j^and- 
daughter of tlie late General Taylor, Benjamin O' Fallon, married to 
Miss Sallic Carter, dautrhtcr of Walker li. Caiter, i]sq., of St. Louis 
Henry A. O'Fallon, and John J. O'Fallon. 

Perhaps there is no man living as much identified with St. Louis as is 
Colonel O'Fallon — not on account of his immense wealth, but for the useful 
purposes which he has made it to subserve the city and adorn it. With 
a charity unparalleled in its munificence, he has already bestowed more 
than a million of dollars to advance the cause of education and science 
and to relieve the wants of suffering humanity. He gave the ground 
where St. Louis University now stands, and also the site where the first 
Methodist church stood on Fourth Street, now occupied by Clarke's 
buildings. He gave the five acres of land on which the water-works 
of the city are erected, ami endowed the O'Fallon Polytechnic Institute 
with property va'ued at -^100,000. He gave most liberally to Wash- 
in(j:U)U University, and built the Dispensary and Medical College over 
which Dr. Pope so efficiently presides. He gave fifteen acres of land t* 
the "Home of the Friendless,'^ and his private charities are "legion." 

Liberality, so rarely found in the possession of wealth,, forms one of 
the dominant traits of Col. O'Fallon's character; and he once offered to 
make the city of St. Louis a present of a hundred acres of land, if Peter 
Lindell, Esq., wouW do the same ; each one of the gifts to be laid out 
into two magnificent parks ; but the condition of the offer was not ac- 
ceded to. 

Colonel O'Fallon was president of the Branch Bank of the United States 
]?ank during its existence in St. Louis, and under his superior and honor- 
able management it was wound up with the loss only of one hundred and 
twenty-five dollars, while tens of thousands and hundred's of thousands 
dollars were lost in the various places the branches were located, in con- 
sequence of the frauds connnitted by the unprincipled oflUcers connected 
with them; and he was also agent for the United States Bank of Penn- 
sylvania from 1836 to 1841. 

The possession of unbounded wealth,, the Piigh and responsible posi- 
tions which he has filled in the military, civic and business relations of 
llife, have never generated pride and arrogance in his character, and made 
him forgetful of his duties to his Creator and his fellow bei7)gs. He was 
the first rn^an who organized a Sabbath-school west of the Mississippi 
River, and is a regular attendant of the Episcopal church. Unostenta- 
tious in his bearing k; can. be- approached by all, and liis manner pos- 
sesses much of that freedom and li-ankness- which lend a chann to conver- 
saition, and is- characteristic of^the early settlement of the West. 

When Colonel O'Fallon first saw St. Louis, it was but little more thar 
village of log-Btouses, containing but a few thousand inhabitants. Its 
commerce consisted only of the furs and peltries which were brought by 
the hunter and trader fi-om the Missouri, the Mississippi and the Illinois: 
and on their waters a few canoes and llatboats were sufficient to carry all 
of the required trade. Colonel O'Fallon has seen the Mound City through 
all of its progressive stages of advancement, from his first advent in 1812, 
to the presetit time, and has contributed more liberally to all public and 
private enterprise than any other man now living. He has won the 



82 COLONEL JOHN o'fALLON. 

respect and love of every class of society, and in 1849, when the great 
fire threatened to reduce the whole city to ashes, such was his popularity 
and such his claim on public gratitude, that the firemen, knowing that 
some property must be destroyed, encircled his, and saved it on many 
occasions frt)m the devouring element. 

Colonel C>'FalIon has been identified with the great railroad enterprises 
of Missouri, which like a network will soon thread every portion of the 
state, and develop its vast resources. At the first meeting of some of the 
prominent citizens to create a company to form the plan of the Pacific 
Railroad, Colonel O'Fallon was chosen president, and after a charter was 
obtained fn>m the assembly of Missouri, he was nominated as a candidate 
for the presidency, but declined, and at the same time nominated Mr. 
Thomas Allen, who was duly elected. 

Colonel (,)'Fallon w:us the first president of the Ohio and Mississippi Rail- 
road, and also of the North Missouri. He was a director of the State 
Bank of Missouri, and subscribed liberally to the building of the I'lanters' 
House, and more recently to the building of the Lindell Hotel, now in 
the course of erection. He is now in the autumn of his life, and the 
golden fruits of a clear head and good heart are around him. He has 
abundance beyond his most sanguine wish, the love and respect of 
zealous and admiring friends; and thousands of young hearts who are 
educated by his bounty breathe his name with gratitude. 

Colonel O'Fallon has liberally dispensed his cliarities, and seen and en- 
joyed the fruits of them while living. His good works live around him, 
and he can enjoy them ; and when the sands of his life are all spent and 
he will be gathered to his "narrow house," he will be mourned as a public 
benefactor, and his name will not be forefotten. 




JOHN SAPPINGTON, ESQ. 

(I-. %3.) 

FNGRAVED EXPKESSLT FOR THIS WORK FROM A PHOTOGRAPH BY TBOXEL. 



JOHN SAPPINGTON. 

John Sappington was born May 28, 1790, in Madison county, Ky. His 
parents were of a respectable family in the state of Maryland, and his 
father, after whom he was named, when he became a resident of Kentucky, 
served in its legislative halls as senator, at the same period that Henry 
Clay was serving as a member. Mr. Sappington had a large family of 
eighteen children, and moved to Missouri in 1806. 

Young John Sappington was early put to work on the farm of his father, 
and was regularly brought up to the business of a farmer. When he came to 
St. Louis with his father, the now great city contained but a few hundred 
inhabitants, and were made up of such a low mixture of French, Indians, 
and negroes; of ruffians, robbers, swearers, and swindlers; that the forty 
families which had come together from Kentucky determined to pur- 
chase land some distance from the town, rather than mingle in such 
rascally society, although they could have purchased most of the land on 
which St. Louis now stands for owe rjallon of ivhiskey per acre* 

The place on which ^Ir. Sappington now resides, consisting of six hun- 
dred .and forty acres, was purchased at that time for the usual current 
price, one gallon of whiskey per acre. This was the golden epoch in the 
history of whiskey. It represented the currency of the time, and was 
known and esteemed in every domicile. 

Young John Sappington was delighted with his new abode. The rich 
soil had lain fallow probably for hundreds of centuries, and the yield in all 
kinds of grain was almost fabulous. In 1812 when the military enthu- 
siasm spread abroad in the land, on account of the rupture between this 
country and Great Britain, he volunteered under Colonel Nathan Boone, 
son of Daniel Boone, the Kentucky pioneer, and served under Governor 
Howard ; and was the first one of the fifteen hundred horsemen, to plunge 
into the Mississippi and lead the way across to Illinois, where they were 
going to join Governor Edwards. John Sappington was held in high 
estimation by Governor Howard, and he was appointed one of the trusty 
scouts, who were sent in advance of the army to detect ambush, and 
apprise of danger. 

Mr. Sappington was married January 8, 1815, to Miss Sarah Wells, 
daughter of John Wells, and has had eleven children. He has lived upon 
the farm where he now resides since 1806, to which he has added six 
hundred and forty acres, and so perfected is its condition, and so high its 
state of cultivation, that he was awarded a diploma, which was given as 
the premium at the last fair in St. Louis for " The Model Farm." He 
takes a great interest in all things pertaining to agriculture, and joined 
with the Hon. J. R. Barrett and others, in organizing the Agricultural and 
Mechanical Association, which is now so well-known throughout the 
Union. He has also served in the legislative council of Missouri for 
three periods, and was always popular with his constituents. He is still 
hale and vigorous, and early hardships appear not to have affected his iron 
constitution. 

* These were some of the French lamiliea, for whom Mr. Sappington had a high 
respect. 

3 



HON. EDAVARD BATES. 

This distinguished Jurist was born, September 4th, IVO.S, in Goochland 
county, Virginia. His ancestors were of English origin, and can be 
traced back even previously to their arrival in this country, in 1625, at 
the colony of Jamestown, They were cf the denomination called the 
Quakers, and strictly lived up to the tenets of their church. In common 
with the early settlers of that day, they doubtless had to endure the 
hardships incident to that early period, when the ambition of the pioneer 
extended no farther than to rear a little log cabin, to feed his family on 
the products of the chase, raise the maize of the country, and protect 
them from the scalp-knife of the Indian. It belongs not to the province 
of this work to follow the ancestors of Edward Bates through the trying 
and romantic variety of their chequered existence, when the state of 
Virginia was a wild, and the white men were so inferior in number to 
the sons of the forest. 

T. F. Bates, the father of Edward Bates, though reared in the strict 
creed of the society of Friends, when the war-cry of the Revolution 
rung through the infant colonies, joined in the cry of resistance, and with 
all the ardor of the patriot seized his gun to defend his country's rights. It 
was then that he was excommunicated by the society of Friends, whose 
peace doctrines he had violated, and from that day he was no more a 
Quaker, and his family was reared out of the pale of that church. 

Edward Bates, the subject of this memoir, was the seventh son of his 
parents, who had a large family of twelve children. He was sent early 
to school, but was often sutiered to leave at interims, and from this irreg- 
ularity, his attendance was almost wholly profitless. Fortunately for 
him, his father possessed a considerable amount of useful knowledge ; and 
Edward Bates garnered much from the frequent conversations he had 
with his father, who always directed his iniud to useful subjects. He 
had also the advantage of instruction for two years, from his kinsraanj 
Benjamin Bates, of Hanover, Va., who was an able instructor, an accom- 
plished scholar, and a pure and exemplary Christian. After leaving the 
instruction of his relation he was sent to the Charlotte Hall Academy, 
where he went through a regular academic course, and then his education 
was completed. 

C)n leaving school Edward Bates, in selecting a pursuit to follow for a 
livelihood, was strongly predisposed to join the navy, but yielding to the 
entreaties of his mother, declined a midshipman's warrant, which had 
been procured in accordance with his wishes. However, to gratify a 
spirit for military glory, during the last war with Great Britain, he 
served six months in the army, at Norfolk, Va., as a volunteer in a militia 
regiment. 

On reaching the age of twenty, Edward Bates removed to St. 
Louis under the auspices of his elder brother, who was then secretary of 
the territorv, and who afterward became Governor of Missouri. He 
studied law under Rufus Easton, then eminent at the bar, and who after- 



nimi 







HON. EDWARD BATES. 

(p. S7.) 

l:N<illAVl;D FKOM A I-IIOTOGICAl'II r.Xl'UKSSLY K(1R THIS WORK. 



HON. EDWARD BATES. 89 



ward represented a portion of the state in the national Congress. After 
being admitted to the bar in 1816, he used all his industry, for which 
he is now remarkable, to qualify himself thoroughly in his profession. 
In 1819 he was appointed Circuit Attorney, which he held until 1820, 
when the state of Missouri was formed. 

Edward Bates, by his talents, business abilities, and integrity of char- 
acter, early won the confidence of the people of Missouri, and was elected 
a representative to the State Convention, which formed the Constitution 
in 1820, and the same year was apf)ointed Attorney-General of the state. 

From the popularity of Edward Bates he was, contrary to his wishes, 
nominated as a candidate for the legislature, and was elected several 
times as member to that honorable body, serving in both houses as a 
leader of the old whig party, to which he belonged. He was never a 
virulent factionist, and was popular even in the opposite faction, whose 
opinions he respected ; and if he could not win them as proselytes, he 
conciliated their regard by his gentleness and respectful conduct. 

In 1823 he was joined in Avedlock to Miss Julia D. Carlton, and has 
had a large family of seventeen children, eight of whom still survive. 

In 1824 lie was appointed by President Monroe as United States 
Attorney for the Missouri district, which office he held until he was 
elected member of the Twentieth Congress in 1826. 

In 1828 he was again a candidate for Congress, but the auspicious 
star of General Jackson had risen upon the political horizon, and all the 
great lights of the whig party grew " beautifully less." Edward Bates 
was defeated, and from that day to the present has never meddled in the 
turbulent current of politics ; since that time he has earnestly been 
engaged in the arduous duties of his profession, excepting the three 
years he served as Judge in the St. Louis Land Court. As a member of 
the St. Louis bar, by the consent even of his professional brethren, he 
" stands proudly eminent," and the emolument arising from his practice 
is most considerable. He is profound as a lawyer, and as a speaker 
before court and jury, tries to convince the judgment, and never attempts 
sophistry to delude, nor adorns his argument with the weak and transient 
beauties of a prolific imagination. 

At the time that the convention for internal improvement was held at 
Chicago, Judge Bates was called to the chair. In 1850 he was solicited 
by President Fillmore, to become a member of his cabinet, and was 
offered the honorable appointment of Secretary of War, but he declined 
acceptance. 

Judge Bates is sixty-five years of age, and now with his mind matured 
by experience, with an influence second to no one in the Union, and with a 
cliaracter that is spotless, he is looked upon as a fitting candidate of the 
American people for the next presidency. We have only to say, that his 
name would add lustre to any party, and the highest gift in the power 
of the people in this great republic, would be nothing more than a fitting 
tribute to his excellence 



HENRY VON PHUL. 

Henry Von Phul, the senior partner of tlie well-known firm Von 
Phul, Waters and Co., is the oldest merchant now living in the city of 
St. Louis. lie is a native of riiiladelphia, I'ennsylvania, and was born 
in that city August 14th, 1784. His father w^s a plain and respectable 
man, and his mother, whose maiden name was Graft', was the daughter of 
a well known merchant in the city of Lancaster, a town in Pennsylvania, 
composed at that time almost entirely of a (German population. 

All the advantages of education which Henry Von I'hul enjoyed, he 
received from the common schools in the city of his nativity. At the 
early age of seventeen, he emigrated to Lexington, Kentucky, at that time 
a small village, and engaged as a clerk in a store (.1. Jordon's), which in a 
•country place always embraces in itself the difterent branches of grocery, 
drug shop, and dry goods business, and is not devoted to any particular 
subdivision. 

During his residence in Lexington, Mr. Von Phul, by his business 
habits and integrity, won completely the confidence of his employer 
(Mr. Thomas Hart, jr., who was brother-in-law to Henry Clay, and after 
whose father the late Thomas H. Benton was named), and was sent 
South on a general trading tour. He visited the city of Natchez, and 
went a considerable distance up the Red River, bartering with the planters 
and Lulians who dwelt upon its margin. There was no steam at this 
time, and Mr. Von Phul navigated the rivers in a keelboat, pushing it 
up the swift current with a long pole. 

In this place he ren)ained for ten years, and finding that Lexington 
was not advancing in population and business as rapidly as he wished, he 
started for St. Louis in 1811, having heard it favorably spoken of as a 
place of trade, and feeling confident, from the natural position which it 
occupied, that it must in time become a place of importance. 

On the advent of Henry Von Phul in the city of St. Louis, it was a 
small town made up of log-houses and other inferior buildings, an<l con- 
taining some fifteen hundred inhabitants; almost all of whom were French, 
and principally devoted themselves to the trade of lead and peltries. All 
of the country west of St. Louis, and over the Illinois side of the Missis- 
sippi was in its primitive wild state and unreclaimed by the settler. 
Marauding Indians roamed over every part of the country, and murdered 
and mangled many a bold pioneer who had rashly advanced too far into 
the wilds from the assistance of his countrymen. 

Less than a year after the arrival of Mr. Von Phul in St. Louis, there 
■was a rumor that the settlers on the Missouri were attacked by the 
Indians, and immediately a large body of volunteers, commanded by Nat. 
Boone, son of the Kentucky pioneer Daniel Boone, hastened to their 
relief; among the number who enlisted was Henry Von Phul, then in the 
prime of hislife, being twenty-eight years of age. He was always of a 
fe.irless disposition, and during the war of 1812, he made several trips on 
horseback between St. Louis and Louisville, and what was most remark- 
able, though the Indians were very troublesome at that time, and shud- 




IF K N R Y V N J' II U L, ES Q. 

(p. !»1.) 
F.NiiRAvr.:) Kxi'urssi.Y ron this wouk kiiom a rnnToonAi'ii iiv urov/n. 



HENRY VON PHUL. 93 



dering details of tragical scenes in which they were actors, were daily 
bruited tliiough the country, he never saw a single Indian in his solitary 
pilgrimage. 

In 1816, Henry Von Phul married Miss Saugrain, the daughter of Dr. 
Antoine F. Saugrain, and of this marriage have been born fifteen children; 
of which ten still survive, six sons and four daughters. He commenced 
his business career in a little store situated in Main-street, north block 
No. 8, and kept for sale dry goods in ail their varieties, and also all the 
numerous other articles required in domestic life, and which country stores 
usually supply. 

In 1831, Mr. Von Phul removed to the corner of Olive and Front 
streets, where he was largely engaged in the general commission business 
and steamboat agency. In some of the fine steamboats which fioat upon 
the Mississippi he has owned a large portion, and was one of the few now 
living who saw the arrival of the General Pike, the first steamboat that 
landed in St. Louis; this was in 1817. Steamboats at an early day were 
the speediest channels of communication, and were the making of the 
Western country and Western commerce; and soon Mr. Von Phul in- 
vested largely in those natural vehicles of commerce on the Western 
waters. 

Always directing his conduct by principles based upon the soundest 
morality, Mr, Von Phul has deserved and gained the confidence of all 
classes of citizens, and has filled several important positions connected 
with the municipal government and welfare of St. Louis. He acted as one 
of the Board of City Commissioners for several years; he was an efficient 
officer of the School Board ; he was connected with the Chamber of 
Commerce; was president of the Union Insurance Company; is a director 
in the Iron Mountain Railroad, and has in some manner been connected 
with most of our public and private institutions, both civil and charitable. 
He has already passed the age usually allotted to man, and in the course 
of an active life has been brought in connection with manv men and many 
transactions. There is not a word of reproach against his character, nothing 
to sully his fair fame — nothing to dim the lustre of his life, now so near 
its setting. Among the merchants he is looked upon as a patriarch, being 
the oldest one now living in St. Louis, and his name has become a house- 
hold word in the Great Metropolis, and invested with the attraction of all 
the moral attributes. In his sear of life hosts of friends are around him, 
and when his spirit will calmly and hopefully glide from earth, his honored 
name will not be forsfotten. 



HON. JOHN FLETCHER DARBY. 

John Fletciikk Dahhy was born Deocinbcr lOtli, 1803, in Person 
county, North Carolina. His father, Jolm Darby, was a respectable plant- 
er, who removed to Missouri in 1818, and settled in the western part 
of St. Louis county, then inhabitedouly by the pioneers of the country, 
and re<|uiring nuich labor to bring the land into a proper state of culti- 
vation. 

Young John F. Darby was early sent to school by his fjithcr, and had 
at first all tlie advantages that the log school-house could give him, and 
being ambitious of mental culture, he devoted all of his leisure moments 
to the improvement of his mind. His father reared him in the habits of 
industry, and he was accustomed, in busy seasons, to assist in the farm- 
ing operations, but so anxious was he to store his mind with knowledge, 
that he first commenced to study the Latin grammar while he was 
engaged in ploughing; using the time in turning his horse to catch a 
hasty glance at his book. At Colonel Post's there was a young tutor, 
who, seeing the untiring devotion of the young man to the improvement 
of hii mind, though surrounded with difficulties, took nuich pleasure in 
assisting him to master the Latin language, and in a little time young 
Darl>y was conversant with inany of the Jjatin authors, and highly relished 
the beauties of Horace, Virgil, and other Latin poets. 

In 1823, when young Darby had attained the age of twenty, he lost 
both of his parents ; but he did not relax his efi'orts, and continued his 
habits of industry. He then paid a visit to his grand-parents in North 
Carolina, and receiving some pecuniary assistance, he determined to com- 
plete his education, and placed himself under William Bingham, of Orange 
county, one of the most accomplished scholars in the South. He then, 
in 1825, applied for an appointment in the military academy at West 
Point, but for the want of infiuential friends, he was not successful. 
This disappointment served to incline his mind toward the law, and dis- 
posing of his small patrimony, he commenced the study of the legal pro- 
fession at Frankfort, Kentucky. His money, however, becoming ex- 
hausted before his profession was mastered, he applied to Mr. Swigert, 
clerk of the Supreme Court of Kentucky, who, taking an interest in his 
welfare, gave him some copying to do, from the proceeds of which he 
could live, and also prosecute his studies. He, in a short time, received 
license to practise from the Supreme Court of Kentucky. 

Mr. Darby then returned to Missouri, and to familiarize himself with 
the office routine of his profession, remained for some months as a student 
under Judge Gamble, until he was admitted to the bar in St. Louis, in 
^1827. Filled with an honorable emulation, with a fair field before him, 
it was not long before he became known as a rising man in his profession, 
and crowds of clients soon began to throng his office. Ilo became a favor- 
ite with the people, was a popular stump orator, and in 1835, a year re- 
plete for him with honor and happiness, he was elected mayor of the 
city, and was married to a daughter of Captain Wilkinson. 




HON. JOHN i' . I) A R B V . 

([..95.) 

KNOHAVKll KXI'BKHSLY F(JK THIS WdUK rUOM A I'UOTlKiB AI'll II V DROWN. 



HON. JOHN FLETCHER DAKBT*. 97 

Mr. Darby, when he became mayor, took no sinecure. It was almost 
equal to clearing out tJic Augean stablcH, to get the city under a proper 

!)olicc syhtern, and under the }iealthf'u] jurisdiction of municipal authority. 
le established the iMayor's Court, where his summary manner of dealing 
out justice soon cleared the city of the gamblers. vagab'>rids, and other 
worthless characters which infested it, and in a few months after he com- 
menced his official duties, an efficient police was established, salutary 
laws were enforced, and every thing bore the aspect which indicated that 
an efficient officer was at the head of the municipal governm(;nt. 

Whilst mayor, Mr. Darby gf>t an act passed for the sale of tJic Commons, 
with the consent of the infiabitants who had a right to vote on tliat occa- 
sion ; and finding that the city was paying ten per cent, interest on its liabil- 
ities, he fjorrowed one liundred and fifty thousand dollars, at six per cent,, 
which much relieved itsfinancial embarrassments. lie was untiring during 
his administration, in advocating all measures that would redound to the ad- 
vantage and beauty of the city. In his message he advocated the purchase 
of public squares, as parks and parade-grounds; and through his influence 
Washingt<^»n Square was purchased from Mr. T. 11. Smith for tliirtv-five 
thousand dollars. This beautiful square was for a long time called Darby's 
Big Gulley, because the short-sighted coidd not see how a piece of land 
consisting of a tnultitude of gutters could be convert<id into a handsome 
park. He also in his proclamation, in IH'iO, urged the necessity of send- 
ing n)emorials to Congress, to induce that body to authorize, as quickly 
as possible, the completion of the great national road, and that its route 
should Im; through St. Louis. This was the time when a national road 
was the hobby of Congress. 

In 1838 and '39, Mr. Darby, whilst a member of the Senate of Mis- 
souri, introduced a bill for the charter of the Iron Mountain Railroad. 
This failed, in despite of all his efforts to the contrary, owing to the fact 
that the state of Illinois, at that time, stood on the verge of bankruptcy, 
owing to her railroad mania. In 18o0, he was elected to Congress, and 
whilst there had many measures carried, of great importance to the city. 
By diplomatic tactics he secured for the custom-house and post-office an 
appropriation of %1 l.v,OO0; was mainly instrumental in getting the grant 
of land to the Pacific Railroad Company, and the Hannibal and St. 
Joseph's liailroad ; and also the consent of the general government to tho 
right of way for the Iron Mountain Railroad through the grounds of the 
Marine Hospital, the arsenal, etc. Unfortunately, while he was serving 
80 well his constituents, he received an injury on a boat, from the efifecta 
of which he will never wholly recover. 

The incidents of Mr. Darby's life would be sufficient to fill a volume, 
bat the limits of this work forbid us dwelling any longer upon them. 

Mr. Darby is now in tfie fifty-sixth year of his age, and the senior part- 
ner of the well-known banking-house of Darby k Poulterer. He has been 
a stirring, practical man, both in his public and private life, and his good 
constitution being still vigorous and unenfeebled, and his fine intellect 
ripened by experience, he would do honor to any official function in the 
gift of his country. He has done mucfi, and </// AonoraWy ; and now, 
dwelimg in the affluence and honor gained fjy his industry and talents, be 
can look upon the past unsullied career of his chequered life with con- 
scious pride and satisfaction. 



KENNETH MACKENZIE. 

Alexander and Isabella MacKenzie, the parents of Kenneth Mac- 
Kenzie, resided in llossshire, Scotland, where their son, the subject of 
this memoir, was born, April 15, 1797. He enjoyed good educational 
advantag-es in his early youth, being for some time under the instruction 
of a parsron wiio was a friend of the family, an exemplary Christian, and 
a profounrl scholar. 

Being desirous of seeing the world beyond the sea-girt isle of Britain, 
in 181S Kenneth MacKenzie was about to start for the West Indies, but 
being opposed by the counsel of his friends, abandoned the project. He 
then received a cordial invitation from a wealthy uncle. Sir Alexander 
MacKenzie, who owned immense tracts of land in Canada, to emigrate to 
North America, and there to commence business, as the field to wealth and 
position was less occupied than in the country of his nativity. 

This invitation of his uncle was hailed with rapture by Kenneth MacKen- 
zie, and operated like electi'icity upon his sanguine temperament. America 
was the subject of his day thoughts, and he dreamed at night of the 
distant regions. He determined upon visiting the land which a prophetic 
feeling told him was to be his future home; and determined to gain the 
consent of his parents, whom he tenderly loved. He was then placed in 
one of those dilemmas so frequently experienced by youth, a sense of duty 
or a gratification of a controlling desire. Affection, duty, instinct, all 
prompted him to gain the consent of his parents and ask their parting- 
blessing; but he dreaded their refusal, and the hopes of the future had 
been so long connected with the transatlantic country, that he clandes- 
tinely started from home, with a heart almost bursting for his filial dis- 
obedience, and took shipping from Glasgow to Quebec. 

A little while after his arrival in Canada, Mr.MacKenzie connected him- 
self with the British North-West Company, and in their service gained 
the first lessons in the fur trade, which he carried on so extensively u few 
years afterward. He remained in the employment of the company for 
four years, and after well becoming initiated in all the mysteries of that 
lucrative business, he determined on removing to St. Louis, and engaging 
in the same pursuit, where he could extend his trading operations with 
the Indians from the Mississippi to the Pacific. 

In 1822, Mr.Mackenzie having wound up his business in Canada, started 
for St. Louis, where he established a company, known as the Columbia 
Fur Company. This company did a very lucrative trade, and Mr. MacKenzie 
became known to all the different tribes of Indians who inhabited the 
banks of the Missouri, from its mouth to the Rocky Mountains. He pos- 
sessed singular control over those savage tribes, and often soothed their 
discontent, and prevented them from assailing government agents for the 
wrongs and the frauds they often committed. They looked upon him as 
their friend and readily submitted to his counsel. 

In 1827, the Columbia Fur Company was merged into the American 
Fur Company, of which the late well known John Jacob Astor was at the 
head, and much of that princely wealth, which has made his name famous 




KENNETH MACKENZIE, ESQ. 

(p. 99.) 

ENGRAVED EXPRESSLY FOR THIS WORK FROM A PHOTOGRAPH BY TBOXELL. 



KENNETH MACKENZIE. 101 



over the globe, "was garnered at that time in the trade Avith the Indians. 
Pierre Chouteau, whose name is so intimately blended with St. Louis, was 
also connected with the company. 

At this period the labors of Mr.MacKenzie were Herculean. He trav- 
elled more than twenty-five times across the plains, and one summer alone 
performed the distance of more than three thousand miles on horseback, 
through a country where the Indian roamed, and where the axe of the 
pioneer had not then been heard. The open prairies were his bed and 
resting place, and a piece of dried buffalo meat satisfied his appetite. 
With this company he remained connected until its dissolution in 1834. 
He then joined the western branch of the company, of which there are liv- 
ing besides himself Mr. Pierre Chouteau, and Mr. Ramsay Crookc of New- 
York.* 

In June 26, 1 842, Mr. MacKenzie became imitedin wedlock to Miss Mary 
Marshall, the accomplished daughter of Colonel Marshall, ()f Tennessee. 
In 1826 and 18.'36 he visited Europe, for the purpose of gathering informa- 
tion relative to the process of manufacturing wine, and \isited tlie most 
celebrated vintages of that country. He is now the eflicient agent for the 
Missouri Wine Company, and his experience renders him most suitable to 
that position. 

The life of Mr. MacKenzie has been an eventful one, and most of the 
large fortune he possesses has been gathered amid toil, fatigue and danger. 
His mind is stored with interesting anecdotes, which lend a still greater 
interest to his natural social qualities. He probably knows better than 
any man living the early history of the settlements on the Missouri. 

* Since the above was written, Mr. Crooke is deceased. 



SAMUEL GATY. 

A MAN, who, from an humble position and by his own efforts, has 
risen to affluence and social position, and throuti^h all the events of a 
chequered life, has preserved his intetjrity unimpeached, well deserves 
the pen of the historian, and to be held up a model to posterity. 

Samuel Gaty was the youngest of nine children, and bcn-n of poor parents, 
August 10th, 1811, in Jefferson county, Kentucky. In his youth, at a 
very early age, he received eight months of schooling, and tlirectly he 
reached the age often years he Avas put to earn his bread, by serving an 
apprentioesliip to a machinist in Louisville; his father, who was a cooper, 
being anxious that he should be put in the way of doing for himself. 
Some time after entering upon his duties as machinist, the employer of 
young Oaty died, and he was thrown upon the world to shift for himself; 
but he resolved, as young as he was, to adhere to the golden maxim of 
"sticking to one thing," and, finding another competent machinist in the 
person of Mr. Keffer, he completed his time, and fully learned all of the 
details of his avocation. 

He then commenced business in New Albany, where he worked a short 
time, and in the autumn of 1828, he came to St. Louis with two com- 
panions, Morton and Richards. Their capital was too small to i-emain 
long idle, and they commenced the foundry business together on tlie 
little sum of two hundred and fifty dollars, which Samuel Gaty had saved 
in New Albany. This firm soon dissolved, and Mr. Gaty went to daily 
work with Mr. Newell at the low figure of one dollar and twenty-five 
cents. For many long days, he worked for this small sum, and in 18'J9, 
he again visited Louisville, but, not seeing any brighter prospects, after a 
short sojourn, lie returned to St. Louis, and went into business with Mr. 
Newell, but the concern did not prosper, and they were compelled to wind 
up their att'airs. 

Samuel (iaty, always self-reliant and confident of success, purchased 
the stock of tools for twenty-five hundred dollars, for which he gave his 
notes, which were punctually paid at maturity, with the exception of 
one, which lay over one day before it was taken up. Mr. Gaty is now a 
wealthy citizen, and through all the extensive transactions through which 
he has amassed his fortune, he has never had another note that was pro- 
tested. The very place that Mr. Gaty commenced business, he does his 
business now ; but the aspect of the concern is quite different. The little, 
small shop is replaced by a building of extensive dimensions, and the 
amount of the business reaches many hundred thousands of dollars annu- 
ally. Many changes have been made in the name of the firm; but Samuel 
Gaty has always continued a member, and was the originator of the con- 
cern, which is now being conducted on the most gigantic scale. 

In March, 1843, Mr. Gaty was joined in wedlock to Miss Eliza Jane 
Burbridge, daughter of Benjamin Burbridge, Esq., of Louisiana, Bike 
county, Missouri, and they have a large family of children, six of whom 
are now living. It is a boast of Mr. Gaty's that the large fortune which 




S A M U E L G A T Y , K S Q . 

KNOKAVED KXPRESSLY FOB THH «<h:k K1!<iM A PltOTOfiB A PII HY HROWN. 



SAMUEL GATT. 105 



he has amassed, has been made legitimately in the business which he 
chose at his setting out in life, and he has never strayed into other 
channels. He has never speculated in real estate or any other property ; 
never played broker by shaving notes and taking advantage of the pecu- 
niary distress of others ; but has attended exclusively to one pursuit, and 
to it alone is indebted for the handsome fortune he has amassed. His 
motto in life was, "to excel in all he undertook," and his success in life 
shows how well he has lived up to the maxim which he set before him 
as a guide. 

Mr. Gaty has been ever averse to the turbulent currents incident to 
political life, and has ever kept from being drawn into the disturbing 
excitement ; but feeling an interest in all that affected the welfare of St. 
Louis, he consented to become a candidate for the City Council, and was 
elected a member of that body in 1839, and served four years with nuich 
advantage to the city and credit to his constituents. He has always 
been a stanch friend of railroads and all other internal improvements 
that would develop the resources of the country, and add to its wealth 
and grandeur. He has been liberal in subscription of stock, and is at 
present a director both in the Pacific and the Ohio and Mississippi rail- 
roads. When in the city council he was active in every measure that 
would contribute to the growth and welfare of St. Louis. He took a 
prominent part in locating the avenues; advocated the necessity of a 
work-house ; and used all of his influence and exertion in causing the 
erection of the water-works, which now supply the city so plentifully with 
the healthful element. 

A history of Mr. Gaty's life is useful for its practical instruction. He 
has amassed a fortune that would content the extravagant requirements 
of royalty ; yet he has never risked a dollar in the precarious investment 
of speculation, but day by day added to his little commencement, and, 
attending wholly to the one business, has become honored for his integrity 
and known as one of the princely manufacturers of St. Louis. 



COLONEL THORNTON GRIMSLEY. 

Colonel Thornton Grimsley was born on the 20th of August, 1 798, in 
Bouibou county, Kentucky. His father, Nimrod Grimsley, was a resi- 
dent of Fauquier county, Virginia, and liaving a h\rge family removed to 
Kentucky at an early day, and helped to make up the number of that 
enterj>ris\ng population who immigrated to what was considered the 
richest soifin Ajuerica. His father and mother did not long live in the 
new homes which thev had chosen, but died during the years 1805 and 
1800, leaving a helpless family of eight children. 

The subject of this memoir, by the dissolution of his parents, was left 
an orphan at seven vears of age, and three years after losing his parents 
he was apprenticed to the saddlery business. He served his master faith- 
fully for eleven years, and the only compensation which he received was 
three months of schooling ; yet, by his diligent application to business, 
and a mind naturally of a superior order, he soon won the respect and 
confidence of his master, and in 1816 he was sent to St. Louis in charge 
of a valuable assortment of goods, at which place he completed his term 
of indenture ; and on reaching twenty-one years of age, the first act he per- 
formed in his independent manhood, was to return to Kentucky and 
attend school for six months, from the proceeds of extra work which he 
had performed during the term of his apprenticeship. 

After having exhausted his slender resources, in obedience to the invi- 
tation of his old master, Thornton Grimsley returned to St. Louis, and 
took charge of his business for about fourteen months, and then, feeling 
that he could succeed better untrammelled by the dictates of a superior, 
in 18-'2 he placed his name upon a sign-board, and boldly commenced 
his fortune. 

St. Louis at that time was young in years and weak in business 
resources ; and the gross amount done by the three little saddle and har- 
ness shops it contained, did not exceed twelve or fifteen thousand dollars 
per annum. 

Thornton Grimsley had to encounter all of the obstacles incident to 
the lot of an aspiring young man commencing business on a small capital, 
and, joined with his pecuniary difficulties, his health for five years was 
in a precarious condition. 

On commencing business for himself he married Miss Susan Stark, of 
Bourbon county, Kentucky, who was sister of the wife of the master un- 
der whom he learned his trade. Not long after commencing his business, 
and just as he was beirinning to gather the fruits to which his industry 
entitled him, a fire destroyed the property which he had accumulated 
durina; three years of toil, and left him "poor indeed." When this mis- 
fortune occurred he was in ill health, but did not waste a moment in idle 
regrets, and set about immediately in repairing what accident had de- 
prned him of, and in a little time he was again advancing in a prosperous 
career. 




COLONEL THORNTON G R I M S L E Y . 

(\>. li>7.) 

ENGUAVKD EXPRESSLY KO,< T.„8 WORK KKOM A PHOrmMCA.-i. KV UROW.N. 



COI-OXEL THORNTON GKEMSLET. 109 

From the frankness of his disposition and natural goodness of lieart, 
Tlioniton Grimsley had always made himself hosts of friends, and in 
1820 was elected an alderman, and introduced into that body the subject 
of grading the wharf in front of the city, and strongly advocated that the 
western edge should be raised three feet higher than its pres- 
ent grade. Had his proposition been acceded to, Front-street would 
not be inundated at every high flood of the river, and its property would 
be n)uch more valuable. 

In 1 828 Colonel Grimsley was called to the legislature of the state, where 
he was a useful and efficient member. lie used his efforts to have com- 
pleted tho national road to Jefferson City, and advocated other important 
measures. In 183.5 he was again elected alderman, and did much for 
settling satisfactorily the important claim of the St. Louis Commons. 
From this tract was selected Lafayette Park, and the spacious avenues 
about it. From the liberal dimensions of this park, some of the short- 
sighted citizens, in derision, called it Grimsley's folly — now it is one of 
the chief ornaments of our large and growing city. 

So useful was Colonel Grimsley in his political life, that in 1838 he was 
sent to the State Senate, and lent all of his influence for the pas.sage of 
the bill for the construction of the Iron Mountain Railroad, and also for 
the establishment of a workhouse. 

Though Colonel Grimsley was so liberally rewarded with civic honors he 
was not unmindful of military glory. He has filled all of the stations, 
from an orderly to division inspector; in 1832 he raised a volunteer com- 
pany and tendered their services to the Governor of Illinois during the 
Ulack Hawk war, and in 183G received from General .lackson a captain's 
commission in the dragoons of the United States army, lie declined 
this honor as it was in time of peace, and wisely stuck to his business 
pursuits, lie has now been engaged thirty-seven years in his only pur- 
suit, and does now a business of three hundred thousand dollars per 
annum. 

In 1846, in less than twenty days he enrolled a regiment of eight hun- 
dred men for the Mexican war, but being politically opposed to the Gov- 
ernor of Missouri, he was refused a commission and another appointed in 
his stead. 

Colonel Grimsley has been the father often children, four of whom are 
now living and happily and prosperously settled in life. He has now 
amassed a ojinpetent fortune, and in the autumn of life is enjoying the 
fruits with which industry ever rewards the managing and persevering. 



COLONEL LEWIS V. BOGY. 

Colonel Louis V. Bogy is emphatically a Western man. His father, 
Joseph Bogy, who was of Scotch descent, was a native of Kaskaskia, Illi- 
nois ; and his mother's family, of the name of Vital, were among the 
earliest settlers in Missouri; the mother, Mary Vital, is still living at an 
advanced age. Joseph Bogy filled the responsible position of private 
secretary to Governor Morales, while the states of Louisiana and Missouri 
were under the Spanish domination ; when Missouri became a territory, 
he became a member of the territorial council ; when she was received 
into the national confe<leracy, he was elected to the legislature ; and for 
many years he was cashier of the old Bank of Missouri at St. Genevieve. 
He had a famil}' of seven children, of whom Lewis V. Bogy, the subject 
of this memoir, was the fourth. 

Lewis V. Bogy was born April 9th, 1813, in St. Genevieve county, 
Missouri, and learned the rudiments of the English language under a 
Swiss instructor, who kept the little school of the place. Much of his 
time was spent in working on the form, until he was attacked by a malady 
which rendered him unfit to work for two years. While he was power- 
less and suffering from a "white swelling," he carefully cultivated his 
mind, and read all of the books he could obtain; by this means he 
garnered a variety of desultory information, and contracted a passion 
for information which probably influenced his after destiny. In J 830, 
he took the situation of clerk in a store at a salary of ^200 per an- 
num, half of which he had, according to contract, to take out in 
trade. However, by the frugality of his habits, he managed to pur- 
chase some books from his income, and read by snatches of time 
some of the elementary books of law, and also resolutely undertook the 
study of the Latin language under the guidance of Father Condamine, a 
Catholic priest and accomplished scholar. In January, 1832, he went 
from St. Genevieve to Kaskaskia, and read law in the office of Judge Pope, 
till May of that year. He volunteered for the Black Hawk war, was 
engaged in two desperate battles with the Indians, and was present at 
the taking of Black Hawk. 

After the conclusion of the Indian campaign, Lewis V. Bogy returned 
to Kaskaskia, where he continued reading law till 1833, when he deter- 
mmed to go a short time to the distinguished University of Transylvania 
at Lexington, Kentucky, where the facility of getting books was so much 
greater than at Kaskaskia. He received a flattering letter of introduction 
from Judge Pope to Judge Mays at Lexington, and commenced reading 
under that eminent jurist. In the spring of 1834, he commenced teaching 
a country school, so as to liquidate the debt he contracted with Judge 
Mays, while studying in the winter, and also to gather resources to com- 
plete his course. With a will that never yields to opposing obstacles, 
he did complete his course, and returned to Missouri in the spring of 
1835, settled in the city of St. Louis, and commenced the practice 
of his profession. From the very first Colonel Bogy was successful as a 




COLONEL LEWIS V. BOGY, 

President of the Iron Monntain Railroad Company. 

(p. ir.) 

ENGRAVED EXPRESSLY FOB THIS WORK FROM A PIIOTOGKAPH BY TROXBLL 



COLONEL LEWIS V. BOGY. 113 

lawyer, and the first offering which he received from his clients he sent 
to Judge Mays, to discharge a debt due for instruction, and also interest 
on the amount. The worthy judge, however, returned the interest with 
a complimentary letter. 

Colonel Bogy, by the popularity of his manners, and by the rare suc- 
cess which crowned his efforts, soon acquired an extensive and lucrative 
practice, and was nominated for the legislature and elected, in 1840. 
He also served in that respectable body in 1854-5, and made an effective 
speech on the passage of the railroad law, Avhich Governor Price vetoed, 
but which was passed by the house over the veto. In 1847, he pur- 
chased an interest in Pilot Knob, the most distinguished iron deposit 
in Missouri, but owing to its great distance, forty-seven miles from 
the Mississippi, many owning shares in the corporation became dis- 
couraged, and disposed of their interest, which Colonel Bogy imme- 
diately bought up, having faith in the ultimate value of the country. 
The Iron Mountain Railroad, in wliich the Pilot Knob Iron Company 
invested $50,000 in stock, has now reached Pilot Knob, and the works 
are now carried on in full operation, and the business is of a most profit- 
able nature. Colonel Bogy now owns one half of the stock of the com- 
pany, and was its president for nine years. 

Pilot Knob, the present terminus of the Iron Mountain Railroad, is 
one of the most romantic spots in the world. The village is situated at 
the base of the mountain, and lands which a few years ago could scarcely 
be given away, now are in great demand, and day by day are increasing 
in value. The Pilot Knob Company, over which Colonel Bogy so long 
presided, have made the beautiful little village, which is now so rapidly 
growing into importance. 

For many years Colonel Bogy has retired from the legal profession, 
and devoted himself to developing the resources of that portion of the iron 
country in which he is so largely interested. He married a daughter of 
General Bernard Pratt, and has filled with honor the most important 
positions. He was first President of the Exchange Bank of this city ; 
has been a Commissioner of Public Schools, and taken an active part in 
promoting their welfare; and in 1852, was the chosen candidate of the 
demociatic party, and took the field against the late Honorable Thomas 
H. Benton, and is now the President of the Iron Mountain Railroad. 

Colonel Bogy is a child of Missouri, and has been nursed amidst her 
institutions. He has, through a long course of successful life, shown him- 
salf worthy of all honor, and, still in the meridian of his existence, the 
state in which he first drew his breath can hope all things from his talents, 
patriotism, and integrity. 



JOHN SIMONDS. 

John Simonds was born March 13th, 1800, in Windsor county, Ver- 
mont. His parentage was respectable, and his father could boast of being 
descended from the Huguenots of France, and his mother could claim as 
a progenitor one of the self-exiled bands of Pilgrims who landed in 1G20 
on the rock}' promontory of Plymouth. John Simonds, the father of the 
subject of this memoir, came to St. Louis in 181V, and the year follow- 
ing he wrote to his wife to join him, which she soon did with young 
John and his sister. Mr. Simonds tilled the important post of "harbor- 
master" for several years, and died in 18-30. 

The only advantage which John Simonds, jr., enjoyed in the way of 
education he received from the common schools, which at that time were 
very limited in the degree of education they could impart. However, 
by his own efforts, he stored his mind with much valuable information, 
and qualified himself to fill with honor the important positions in life 
which he has since occupied. He was appointed deputy constable in 
1819, which was the first office he held in the city of St. Louis. In 1821 
he was deputy sheriff, which office he filled with credit and satisfaction 
In 1825 he was appointed United States marshal, but being politically 
opposed to General Jackson, was removed in 1828. Mr. Simonds then 
determined, for the future, no longer to be a candidate for political office, 
which exists by so precarious a tenure, and applied himself to steamboat- 
ing; and between the years 1828 to 1835, Captain Simonds was as 
favorably known as any officer who plied between the " Mound " and 
" Crescent City." 

In 1835 Captain Simonds opened a large commission house, which he 
successfully pursued until the year 1852, when he commenced the bank- 
ing business with James H. Lucas, with whom he continued as partner 
until January, 1857; and then, retiring from that firm, the same year 
again commenced the banking house known as Simonds and Taylor, in 
which responsible business he still remains. 

Captain Simonds has been twice married. His first wife was Miss 
Theresa Geyer, sister of the late Hon. II. S. Geyer, whom he married 
March 4th, 1824, and there are still living by this marriage two daugh- 
ters. After losing his first wife, he married Miss Susan M. Kennett, liis 
present estimable lady, May 5th, 1 852. He has filled many important offices. 
For many years he was president of the Citizens' Insurance Company, and 
also for a considerable period president of the Board of Underwriters. 

For some vears Captain Simonds has been a ruling elder in the Second 
Presbyterian church, and to the character of the prompt and successful 
business man, he adds the adornment of Christian piety. 




CAPTAIN JOHN SIJIONDS. 

(p. 115.) 

E\r.r.AVF.I) 1 XPPuF.S8LY FOP. THIS WORK FROM A PIIOTOOEA.Pn BT BROW:!. 




GEORGE R. TAYLOR, ESQ., 

Prenident of the Pacific Railroad Company. 

(p. 117.) 

ENGEAVED EXPRESSLY FOR TUI8 WORK FltOlI A PlIOTOGEAPU liT TROXEL. 



GEORGE R. TAYLOR, 

PRESIDENT OF THE PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY. 

George R. Taylor is a Virginian by birtli, having been born in Alex- 
andria, November 11, 1818. His father, Evan P. Taylor, was engaged in 
manufacturing and mercantile pursuits at that place, but dying when 
George was but six years old, his education devolved upon his mother, 
who, intending George for the law, gave to him the preparatory education 
suitable tor his future vocation. 

Immediately on completing his education, George R.Taylor commenced 
reading law under Thomas Semmes, Esq., of Alexandria, and for two years 
and a half remained under his instruction. Afterward he went to Staun- 
ton, Virginia, where there was a law school of high repute under the charge 
of Judge Thompson, an eminent jurist. After enjoying the benefit of 
that institution he returned to Alexandria in 1841, where he received 
license to practise his profession. 

Being properly fitted to enter upon the current of life, young Taylor 
was, for a little while, in doubt in what waters he should launch himself 
with tlie greatest prospect of success ; and every thing in Alexandria ap- 
pearing too stagnant for his ambitious views, he started for the West, and 
arrived in St. Louis in June, 1841. Possessing in a high degree that 
frankness so characteristic of the Virginian, and animated by frien<riy and 
honorable motives, he quickly made a favorable impression, and could 
soon number, as his friends,.some of the most prominent citizens of St. 
Louis. He formed a partnership with Wilson Primin, Esq., which con- 
tinued until 1849. 

The people of the ward in which George R. Taylor resided soon gave 
to him an evidence of their high esteem and confidence, by electing him 
a member of the Common Council, when his devotion to St. Louis was 
exemplified by the liberal measures he took to advance its interest, and 
to adorn it. After the destruction by the great fire of so much of the 
lower part of the city, he was the first to propose and advocate the widen- 
ing of Main street, whose original dimensions were so unsuitable to the 
magnitude of its business. His resolution was adopted, and Main street 
was widened. He then proposed to widen the levee by purchasing Com- 
mercial street, and adding it to the narrow strip of land which is so un- 
comfortably loaded and jammed by the business which forms the immense 
commerce of St. Louis. Had his wishes been acceded to, we should have 
had a levee creditable to the city, and sufficient for the comfort and ex- 
tent of the business which is transacted upon it. At his suggestion, a 
piece of land was purchased for the purpose of erecting a City Hall, but 
an opportunity of reselling it at a considerable advance, being offered, it 
4 



120 GKOKOK K. TAYLOR. 



was sold and dedicated to other purposes.* In tliis measure, lie was effi- 
ciently :issisto(l by the late l\>lonol A. 1>. Clianihors and Adolplnis Moior. 

(I'eorixo TayU>r lias always boon friendly to the railroad poliey, and acted 
as secretary to the first nieetinj; that was held at tiie IManters' House. So 
pt>pidar was he with the people, and possessed in so hiijh a dcijree their 
eontidence, that he w:is apiin elected to the t'oniinoji Council in 1850-7 ; 
and still again in 1859. lie always oHiciated as president of the boaril. 

Until recently the buildings of St. Louis were sadly detieient in height, 
and to him belongs the credit of creating an era in building. He was 
the first to have erected a six-story house in St. Louis, and people finding 
the style to architecture which height necessarily gives, soon followed his 
example, and buildings commenced to go up, which widely contrasted with 
the pigmy architciture formerly in fashion. St. Louis t"or many yeai"s had 
been in want o\' a first-class hotel, and several attempts had been made to 
supply the necessity, by meetings, subscriptions of stock, A'C, but all of the 
efforts made resulted in nothing. This public necessity was supplied by 
Mr. Taylor, who had the sjiiiit anil enterprise to build, unsupported, the 
large structure known as liarnuui's St. Louis lL)teI, whit'h was two years 
in building, and reared at a cost of two hundred thousauil dollars. He 
was also the leading spirit who brought into existence the Merchants' 
Exchange, which was reared on the site of the "Old Market;" and so sat- 
isfied were the stockholders of the active part that he took in this particu- 
lar, that in appreciation of his services, they presented him with a beautiful 
set of silver as a testimonial, at a cost of §1,000. lie was president of the 
board of trustees who had charge of the building, and still continues in 
office. When the city was suttering many years ago for a buihling suita- 
ble for a Post Office, he organized an association, of which he was elected 
president, and built on the place to which the Post Office was removed, 
on the corner of Second and Ohesnut streets. 

Mr. Taylor nuirried .Miss Theresa L. Paul, August 0, 1840, daughtex of 
Gabriel Paid, and granddaughter of Colonel Auguste Chouteau, so well 
known in the annals o\' St. Louis. Since he has been a resident of St. Louis, 
he has been ideutifieil with nuwsures that have been prolific of the greatest 
good. Ihning thi> different terms he served in the Common Council, he 
lias been liberal in his municipal policy, and anxious for the welfare of the 
city. In all pidilic-spirited measures, he has taken a prounnent part. 
Through his efforts and influence, the Merchants' Exchange came into be- 
ing, and he had the nerve to build, unassisted, Barnum's St. Louis Hotel, 
wlien St. Louis greatly needed a public house of that description. He 
was one of the corporators of the St. Louis Railroad Company, and sub- 
scribed to its stock the amount of twenty-five thousand dollars. He is 
just in the prime of active manhood, eminent for his public enterprise; 
popular with all classes of citizens; and is now the elfieient president of 
the Paeitic Railroad Company. 

* It was throusih his advice iliat the old City Hall was torn down, being unsuitable 
to the rvqnironicnts of the city, and a ph\\\ for one of a structure of larger dimensions, 
with all tiio niodorn ctuivonienccs, was delenuinod upon. A portion of land was ptir- 
ehasod, but the hind was found to lx> too vahiabio to iMinpU^te a City Hall, which had 
been cotnnieiieod. and other buildincrs were erected, wliioli were devoted to eoinmeivial 
purpose.". The whole of that part of Main street then oomnienced to be improved, aud 
the Merchants' Exchange is situated iu the midst of stately buildings. 




A 1) I. }• Tf C S M E I E II , ESQ. 

KVOKAVKIl I',XP1:KHKI,V KoKTIIIH W-<i|;k tHOW v |-lli/|i.(. KA I'lr l-.V l-.K4,WN. 



ADOLPIIUS MEIER. 

Adolphus Meier was born in the city of Bremen, Germany, on May 8, 
1810. His father, Dr. G. Meier, occupied a very honorable and influential 
position, being a lawyer of that city, and secretary of the Supreme Court. 
He gave his son, Adolphus, all the opportunities of an early education, 
which were ample in Bremen, and further to improve it, sent him for 
some time to Switzerland. 

After completing his education Adolphus Meir spent three years in a 
large banking house, where he became instructed in the diplomacy of 
banking ; but wishing for a more active field of pursuit engaged for some 
time in the shipping business. On May 9, 1831, he commenced business 
on his own account, and was successful from the very onset ; and feeling 
comfortable in life, on April 21, 1835, was married to Miss Anna R. Rust, 
daughter of a respectable merchant of his native city. Mr. Meier having 
freighted many vessels with emigrants, at Bremen, had heard much of the 
United States, and particularly of the fertility of the great valley where 
flows the " Father of Wateis." After satisfying himself beyond doubt 
that the representations were facts, he started from Bremen for New Or- 
leans, on October 20, 1836, with his wife, child and "household gods." 
After landing at New Orleans, Mr. Meier took passage for St. Louis, and 
arrived there on March 2, 1837. He opened a hardware store in an 
old ricketty building on the corner of Main and Chesnut streets. He 
occupies that spot to the present da}', but the old building has been torn 
down, and a splendid edifice erected in its stead, where the firm of 
Adolphus Meier & Co. conduct their extensive operations. The fii'm con- 
sists of Adolphus Meier, his eldest son, and Mr. John C. Rust. 

In 1844, Adolphus Meier & Co. started a cotton factory, which was the 
first spinning-mill west of the Mississippi River. It had at first eight hun- 
dred spindles, which soon increased to double the number, and the firm 
soon erected a new and commodious building, where they could conduct 
their operations on a more extended scale, with new and improved ma- 
chinery. The factory did a successful business until 185*7, when it was 
totally destroyed by fire. 

After the accident by fire the firm agreed to transfer the business to a 
company under a charter from the state, which was incorporated as the 
" St. Louis Cotton Factory," most of the stock being owned by Adolphus 
Meier & Co. Mr. Meier is president of the company, and the factory is 
doing a lucrative business. The name of Adolphus Meier carries with it a 
great weight and influence in the mercantile world, and the purity of his 
character, and frankness of disposition have endeared him to a large cir- 
cle of friends. 



nON. TRUSTEN POLK. 

Trusten roi.K WHS born May 29, 1811, in Sussex county, state of Dela- 
ware His parents were placet! in a respectable position in life, and, being 
desi-n.ed from a boy to pursue a profession, his education, tr<Mu tl.c very 
commencement, was conducted in accordance with his tuture position in 
life lie was sent to the schools in his neio;hborhood, and then to an 
academy at Cambridge on the eastern shore of Maryland, that he might 
have everv advantage of a proper preparatory education previous to en- 
tering' coflec^e. lie was then sent to Yale College at New Haven, and 
•ifter'.n-iduatiiK' he was still continued amid the classic associations ot 
that ct'lebrated'"'institution, and in the Law School began the study of his 

future profession. ,r r. n ^ j i 

After .roil,,' through a finished course at \ ale, Mr. Polk returned home, 
and was f .r a'short time engaged in learning the practical duties ot his pro- 
fession in the otliceof an eminent attorney, before he was admitted to prac- 
tise lie soon found that the business of his little state was monopolized by 
a few old lawyers of long practice and extensive ac(iuaintance ; and that a 
vouno- lawyer, no matte"!- what were his abilities, would have to spend the 
■first years of his life in comparative idleness, before he could hope for any 
thin.r like a proper remuneration for his services. These prospects were 
not favorable enough, for one of Mr. Polk's aspiring disposition ; so he cast 
his eves toward the West, where the states were new, and all entered the 
field'on an equality. There talent would at once meet its reward, and 
the country being peopled with strangers, a young lawyer's inerit would 
at once be tested, and he would not be doomed to spend the first golden 
davs of youth in indolent obscuritv, as he would be compelled to do in 
states that have been long settled, and where there is no immigration. 
Intlnenced by these considerations, Mr. Polk started in 1835 tor the state 
of Missouri, and located himself in St. Louis. 

It is often asserted, but without a shadow of reasonable support, that 
if a man have genius and talent he will become eminent in the sphere he 
m.')ves in, cv(>,n"if he has not the advantages of proper previous trammg. 
Examples are often given of men, who, by the mere force ot intellect, with- 
out its being strengthened by proper training and preparation, become 
li.dits in the various professions and avocations of life. These incidents 
are as rare as "aiK'el visits;" and if vouth were not prepared by fitting in- 
struction for the dTfierent professions, the bar, the pulpit, and tluUabora- 
tory would soon present a sorry figure, and would receive the ridicule of 
any intelligent order of citizens. Fortunately for Mr. Polk, he had re- 
ceived all the adventitious assistance of thorough training m mental exer- 
cise previous to commencing the study of the law, and when he had mas- 
tered his profession, he possessed an untold advantage over those who had 




II O \ O IL A I! I. K T R II S T EN P O L K. 

.p. I'i:..) 

K,NUKAVK1> KXI-BKKSLY FOK TIII8 WOKK KKOM A IM1(>TI><;RA I'lf IIY liROWV 



HON. TRUSTEN POLK. 127 



been deprived of a suitable preparatory education. His polished eloquence, 
the fund of knowledge which he could draw from a thousand sources to 
strengthen and adorn it, and his suavity of manner, soon won him hosts of 
tViends, and made him eminent as a lawyer. 

Two years after his arrival in St. Louis, Mr. Polk united in marriage, 
December 2G, 18-37, with Miss Elizabeth \V. Skinner, the second daughter 
of Curtis and Anne Skinner, who had been long residents in Missouri, and 
had emigrated from New Windsor, Connecticut. For several years after- 
ward, he pursued an extensive and lucrative practice, until the labors in- 
cident to a successful career in the legal profession, began to tell upon his 
constitution, and threaten a premature decline, lie was compelled to re- 
tire from his pursuits, that his health might be recruited. During this 
interval of relaxation, which was a portion of 1844 and '45, he spent one 
winter in Louisiana and the Isle of Cuba, and the ensuing summer, he 
travelled in the New England states and Canada. During his absence as 
a valetudinarian, he was selected by the citizens of St. Louis county as a 
member of the convention which met in 1845 for the purpose of remod- 
elling the constitution of the state, and did good service in the honorable 
capacity in which he served. 

It was not to be supposed that a man of JNIr. Polk's ability and popu- 
larity should not receive from the public, some demonstration of its confi- 
dence, by an appointment to some high official position. In 1856 he was 
appointcid by the Democratic party as candidate for governor. It was at 
a time of much political excitement ; for the " Know Nothing' party and 
the " Free Soil" party had their strongest champions in the field, and 
each were exerting themselves to the utmost to obtain a supremacy. In 
this warm contest, Mr. Polk was elected to the chief magistracy of the 
state, and in due time was invested with all the honors of his new appoint- 
ment. He had exercised his prerogatives but a few weeks before he re- 
ceived still further evidence of the estimation in which he was held by 
the public, by receiving from the legislature of the state the appointment 
of United States Senator, In possession, at one time, of the two highest 
political gifts which it was in the power of his state to bestow, it was in- 
cumbent that he should resign one of his official stations, and he gave up 
the gubernatorial chair, that he might represent his state in the Senate of 
the national Congress. This honorable position he still enjoys, and is an 
efficient member of the august body to which he belongs. 

In his profession, Mr. Polk deservedly occupies a place in the first rank. 
He is characterized by his honorable bearing, his urbanity of manner, and 
perfect freedom from vituperation in debate. His eloquence is of the 
Chesterfield style, impressive, conciliatory, but always free from the gusty 
excitement of passion. In politics he belongs to the Democratic party, is 
firm in his political faith, and warmly attached to its principles. He was 
a warm advocate of the common-school system, when in its incipiency, 
and has been for many years a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 



BERNARD PRATTE. 

The Pratto family is one ot' tlio iiidst ancient families in Missonri, and 
came to the state when it had nothing; hut ]>iuiieer attractions. Bernard 
Pratte was born in the city of St. Louis, December 17, 1808. His father, 
(icneral iiernard Pratte, and his father's mother, were both born inSt. (j!en- 
ovieve, and liis orandmothcr and her mother were born in St. Louis. His 
father was a respectable merchant, and completed his education in Cana- 
da, as St. Louis at that time possessed none of the advantages of educa- 
tion. He filled positions of trust and responsibility, and was a leading 
man in the o-rowing city. From his education, his integrity and the con- 
fidence of the people. General Pratte was an acquisition to Missouri, and was 
appointed one of its territorial judges, a ]H>st which he held with entire 
satisfaction, and filled with consummate ability. He was patriotic in his 
feelings, and when war was declared in 1812, he commanded an expedi- 
tion to Fort Madison, and served his country until a permanent peace 
was established. His great weight of character and unimpeachable integ- 
rity had a wide reputation, and during the administration of Mr. Monroe, 
unsolicited on his part, he was appointed receiver of public moneys at St. 
Louis. 

Young Bernard Pratte was raised under the most salutary influences. 
^He had the presence and example of his fatiier continually before him, to 
form his character, and incite him to honorable emulation. His father 
being highly educated, greatly appreciated mental cultivation, and he was 
sent early to the schools of tlie city, where he was kept until he was fifteen 
years of age, and then sent to Georgetown, Kentucky, where he remained 
until he graduated at that institution. 

In 18J1 Bernard Pratte returned to St. Louis, and it then being required 
that he should enter upon liis business career, he commenced under the 
tutorship of his father, and spent many years of his life in trading between 
St. Louis and New Orleans, doing a very extensive and a very lucrative 
business. He was taken in partnership by his father, and the firm of Ber- 
nard Pratte vt Co. had an enviable reputation in the commercial world. 
They were extensive dealers in fur, peltry, and Indian goods ; and suc- 
cessful in all their operations. 

Bernard Pratte was always of a venturesome and ambitious nature, and 
anxious to occupy a prominent position in his business. It was as late as 
1832 when no steamboat had navigated the Missonri as far as the mouth 
of the Yellow Stone. The whole of the Missouri Kiver had been explored, 
it is true, as far as its source, and adventurous spirits had many years 
traded with barbarous tribes of Indians living contiguous to the liocky 
Mountains; but the river was so filled with snags and stumps, that it was 
deemed too perilous to risk a steamboat in a current so filled with danger- 




i; V. Tl N A U D r li A T T E , E S (^ . , 
lute Mayor of St.. LkuIh 

(p. 129.; 

■FNORAVKD KXI'RKSST.Y KOtt Tlll-^ WORK Kl'.DM A I'tl'/IOfiBAIMl »V HBOWK 



BERNARD PRATTE. 131 



ous obstacles. Bernard Pratte, in connection with Pierre Chouteau, in 
1832 resolved to attempt the passage of the Missouri as far as the Yellow 
Stone, and, contrary to tlie predictions of the oldest navigators, he success- 
fully accomplished his undertaking. This feat established an era in the 
navigation of the Missouri River, and since that time, the whistle of the 
.steara-engine has been heard in the wild regions occupied by the Crows 
and the Blackfeet. 

In 1833, the copartnership existing between Bernard Pratte and his 
father was dissolved, and a new firm established, entitled Mulligan & Pratte. 
The new firm came into being under favorable auspices, and maintained a 
high reputation until it was dissolved by the withdrawal of Mr, Mulligan 
in 18-tO. Mr. Piatte still continued in business, until a new partner was 
taken in, and a firm was established, known as Pratte & Cabane, which had 
an honorable and successful existence for six years, when, Mr. Pratte having 
amassed independence, retired from the business arena, on which he had 
for many years been a prominent actor. Two years before he gave up his 
commercial pursuits, he was elected mayor of the city, which honorable 
office he held for two administrations, during tlie years of 1844-5 and '6. 
lie was a faithful pnblic servant, and carried with him in office tliose work- 
ing qualities which formed the basis of his success in business life. He 
was diligent in advancing the interest of the city, and during his term of 
office, the city was lighted with gas, and the levee, on which the com- 
mercial business of the city was conilucted, was properly paved. 

Bernard I'rattc has filled many positions of trust ; for he has always been 
found worthy, and his fellow-citizens on many occasions honored him with 
their confidence. In 1838 he was solicited to become a candidate for the 
General Assembly, and was elected to that V>ody. He has been president 
and director of the Bank of the State of Missouri, and in all business of 
finance his opinions received attention and respect. 

Mr. Pratte entered into matrimonial relations in 1824 with Miss Louisa 
Chenie, daughter of Mr. Anthony Chenie, of St. Louis, and has a family 
of six children. He has been successful in all of liis business pursuits, 
from a rare combination of industry and judgment, and has gained the 
confidence and respect of the community, by at all times exhibiting a rec- 
titude of character, which never wavered from the proper direction. His 
age sits lightly on him, and his health gives promise of many years of use- 
fulness in any position in which circumstances might place him. 



HENRY D. RACON. 

There are soino jiien whoso oharactors are so nobly planned h\ na- 
ture, and so plentifully adorneil with those virtues whieh ennoble hunian- 
ity, that it is a duty and a j»leasnre to write their biooiaphios and hand 
them as uiomorials to posterity for its benetit and instruetion. 

Henry !>. l>aeon was born May 8, 1818, at East (Jranville, Massaehu- 
setts. llis i:;raiulfathor participated in the tryiuij scenes of the Kevolu- 
tion. and made a part of that memorable expedition to Canada under 
Arnold and the lamented Montaomery; holdinir at that time the commis- 
sion oi' captain in the army, llis father was an intelligent farmer, and 
early inculcated amonu: his children the love of integrity, industry, and 
charitable feeling, which always guided his conduct and marked his ca- 
reer. The subject of this memoir is one of eight children, who are now 
living, and all well known and respected in the localities where tliey re- 
side. ^Villiau^, the eldest, lives at the old homestead; Sherman, the sec- 
ond son, is senior partner in the extensive drug business carrieil on by 
the tirm of liacon c(' Hyde, of New York, and which has a large branch in 
the city of St. Louis; and all of the sisters are most respectably married. 

For some time Henry I). Bacon assistcil his father in his agricultural 
pursuits, but feeling that the sphere of the farmer was too circumscribed, 
Hud also wishing to move to a place where he could have access to a good 
library, that he might improve his education, which had not been as lib- 
eral as he w ishcd, he went to Hartford, Conn., and entered a commercial 
house, in which he remained but a short time, and emigrated to St. Louis 
in 18;)5; and bearing the highest testimonials of character and capacity, 
he was soon engaged as partner in otie of the most respectable dry goods 
firms in the city. He then entered into the iron trade, which he pui-suod 
successfully for several years, until his marriage in 184-4 with Miss Julia 
Page, daughter of Daniel D. Page, when he became associated with his 
fatlier-in-law in the tlour business. 

In 1848 the banking house of Page it Bacon, afterward so extensively 
known, was organized, which in a few years so won the contidcnce of all 
classes of people, that it did the heaviest banking business in the whole 
of the western country. A branch was established in California in 1850, 
and in 1854, the exchanges reached the almost staogoring amount of 
eighty millions. Mr. Bacon was the active partner, and so readily and 
cordially did he at all times respond to the wants of the commercial com- 
munity, that to this ilay,mauy of our leading citizens feel under a debt of 
gratitude to him for his accommodating liberality at that period. 

The house of Page tt liacon was remarkable for its enterprise, and in 
185o, knowing how frausxht with advantasres to St. Louis would be a direct 




II K N It Y 1). Ji A (' () N, K S (.i 

t.NOKAVl:J> KXPKl:««I.V Kol: TIM'* WOKK KKOM A IMIiiTuOliAPir BY lIKijWN. 



HENEY D. BACON. 



communication to the East, through the rich American bottom of Illinois, 
they advanced the immense means necessary for the building of the great- 
er part of tlie Ohio and Mississippi Railroad. This drew out an immense 
capital from their business, and a pressure shortly after taking place in 
the money market, the firm was compelled, in January, 1855, to suspend 
payment. The suspension caused for a short period almost a stagnation 
in business, as the house was the financial source from which a large por- 
tion of the business world drew the elements of their vitality. 

In the crush, which he could not avoid, and which must have torn with 
anguish his sensitive organization, Mr. Bacon gave way to no despondency, 
to no selfish grief, but bent all of his powers to complete the railroad, 
which had ever been one of his darling schemes, and which had to stop its 
operations at his failure. He went to New York, where he was well known, 
and induced Eastern capitalists to advance sums requisite for its comple- 
tion. This road, which now forms one of the main arteries of the pros- 
perity of St. Louis, owes its existence to his efforts. 

We have now to speak of Mr. Bacon in the retired walks of life, dis- 
connected with business pursuits. Wlien the Mercantile Library was in 
its infancy, and tottering for the want of pecuniary assistance to sustain 
it, he came forward and gave the required assistance, and stood its pow- 
erful friend, until his influence gathered other fiiends around, and to-day 
it is one of the most cherished ornaments and institutions of our city. 
The members have not been guilty of ingratitude; for they have graced 
the walls with a splendid portrait of their early benefactor. The splendid 
building known as the Union Presbyterian Church, in which the Rev. 
William Holmes officiated, he built and furnished, and donated to the 
church forty thousand dollars of the immense expense he had incurred. 

The Webster College and the Home of the Friendless are beneficiaries 
of his bounty; and his daily charities in the humble walks of life have 
relieved a plenitude of suffering. 

I'erliaps the golden estimation with which Mr. Bacon is held by the 
citizens of St. Louis, would have never been so apparent, had he always 
been a favorite of auspicious fortune. There would have been nothing 
to call forth the spontaneous tribute of the heart in a disinterested mo- 
ment ; but when misfortune lowered upon him, and the connnunity knew 
how much he suffered through his delicate sensibilities, there were ex- 
pressions of sympathy from all classes of society, and no enemy's poison- 
ed breath connected his name with dishonor, or rejoiced at his misfortune. 
He has ever been the friend of humanity, to science, and religion, and he 
is looked upon as the soul of honor and human uprightness. 



PETER G. CAMDEN. 

The parents of Peter G. Camden occupied a most respectable position 
in life, and were residents of Amherst county, Virginia, wh<;re the subject 
of this memoir was born, May 23d, 1801. His father, William Camden, 
and his mother both died in his infancy, and he was adopted by his uncle 
and aunt. 

Peter G. Camden, after going through the usual routine of other 
schools, at the age of twenty was se!it to Washington College, Virginia, 
to complete his course of study. After leaving college, he entered on the 
study of the law, and became a pupil under the instruction of Chancellor 
Taylor, an eminent jurist of Cumberland county, in the " Old Dominion." 
His legal education being completed, with all the ardor of the youthful 
aspirant, he came to the state of Missouri in 1827. At this time, the 
trade carried on between St. Louis and Santa Fe was becoming well es- 
tablished, and the fame of the beautiful country of New Mexico was luring 
many enterprising spirits within its borders. 

So WL'll taken was Mr. Camden with the reputation of the country, that 
he made every preparation for the journey, when a spell of sickness at- 
tacked him at Old Franklin, which made him forego the intended project. 
He then returned to Virginia, and, settling up his affixirs, again started 
for the West, and became a resident of Lincoln county, Kentucky, where 
he had an uncle, who resided in that portion of the state. He married 
his cousin, Miss Anna B. Camden, February 10th, 1830, and for the seven 
ensuing years practised, with success, his profession in that state. 

Mr. Camden had always been of the opinion that Missouri, when her 
great resources would commence to develop themselves, would become 
one of the most populous and wealthy states in the Union ; and he had 
always determined, again to iinigrate to her soil directly she had become 
a little older and more thickly settled. In 1837, he put his design in 
execution, and came to St. Louis, accompanied by two brothers of his 
wife. Abandoning the profession of the law, he established, whh them, 
a drv-goods house, and the firm was titled J. B. and M. Camden & Co. 
This continued till 1840, when Mr. Camden became sole owner of the 
establishment, which he carried on for three years, and then commenced the 
provision business. In December, 1858, he again made a change in his 
business relations, and became a general commission merchant, and as 
such continues to this day. He is well known upon "'Change," and his 
house has the entire confidence of the public. 

In politics, Mr. Camden was identified with the old American party 
and, as its candidate, became mayor of the city in 1846. It was during 
his administration that the city issued their bonds for $25,000, and it was 
used in purchasing stones to raise a portion of the eastern baidv of the 
Mississippi, which threatened to forsake its old bed, and make for itself a 




PETER G. CAMDEN, ESQ., 

Late Mayor of Si Louin. 

ENGRAVKD EXPRESSLY FOK THIS WORK FKOM A PHOTOGRAPH liY IKOXEI. 



PETKR G. CAMDEN. 139 



new channel through the American bottom. The mayor strongly advo- 
cated the measure, for he did not wish to see the "Father of Waters" 
forsake the city which had so long been nurtured by the commerce 
which floated on its bosom. The harbor of St. Louis was also consider- 
ably improved during his tciin of office; it was owing to his efforts, while 
chief municipal officer, that gas was introduced as an agent for lighting 
up the streets. His administration was popular, and order was main- 
tained in the most efficient manner. 

Mr. Camden was one of the first directors in the Marine Insurance 
Company after its reorganization, and for many years has been a member 
of the ])a[jtist Church. 

I'eter G. Camden possesses all the frankness of manner, cordiality of 
feeling, and hospitable disposition so characteristic of the true Virginian. 
He necessarily has become popular in St. Louis, and can number as his 
friends many of the most influential citizens. He has passed through 
many phases of private and public life without reproach, and in the even- 
ing of his life, a retrospect of the past must be associated with the most 
pleasing reminiscences. 



ROBERT M. FUNKIIOUSER. 

The biography of such a man as Robert M. Funkhouscr is frauglit 
not only with a readable interest, but has a useful moral eflect upon 
the present time and posterity. It teaches youth, what industry and 
moral worth can aeliieve ; and tliat they can hope for all things if they 
make honor their guide, and are prompted by honorable enmlation. 

The subject of this memoir was born at Kquality, (Jallatin county, Illinois, 
March ;n, 1819. His father, llobert R. Funkhouscr, was a native of 
Greenbrier county, Virginia, and his mother was the daughter of Z. Cross, 
who served during the Revolution, and was a relation of Colonel Cross, 
of Revolutionary memory. The father removed from Virginia to Kentucky 
at an early day, and believing that Illinois oftered greater inducements he 
emigrated to that country, and soon after was elected to the legislature, 
where his sterling good sense made him an etKcient member, lie had a 
large family of children, nine in number, of whom five are now living. 

The eailv days of the subject of this biography were partially spent at 
school, but directly he became of size suiKcient to make his labor avail- 
able on the farm, he assisted his fatlier in his ;;gricultural pursuits, and on 
his demise in 1833, rented the farm, and by strenuous etlbrts made money 
sufficient to spend some time profitably at school, and then engaged with 
his uncle, until he was oftered the situation of supercargo, in a trip to 
New Orleans, and did his business most satisfactorily to his employer, who 
was his brother-in-law. For some time he pursued a rambling, irregular 
life, and was unsettled as to what was the best vocation for him to pursue. 
On his return home, he was invited by an uncle, who resided on the 
National Road, at a place called Ervington, and there for some four 
months he kept school, and saved from the proceeds seventy-five dollars. 
He then went to Alton, where he had a friend in the banking business, 
who told him that the little town was thronged with enterprising young 
men anxious for situations. Acting with tliat decision which is one of the 
chief elements of his character, he leaped on a boat that was about leaving 
the wharf for St. Louis. 

Mr. Funkhouscr, while on the boat, made the acquaintance of Mr. 
Sparr, of the Virginia Hotel, and stopped at his house. Tliis was in 
April, 1840, and his entire capital did not exceed fifty dollars. The 
second night after his arrival, in wandering through the streets, he was 
attracted by an auction sale, and seeing looking-glasses selling at wliat 
he considered dirt-cheap, he purchased four dozen, which he commenced 
to retail through the city. Whilst crying out his looking-glasses, he at- 
tracted the attention of Mr. T. R. Selmes, with whom he engaged as clerk, 
at two liundrcd and fifty dollars a year and board. He continued two 
years as clerk before commencing business for himself. Some time after- 




R O P, E li T M F T' N K ir O U S E R . ESQ., 
I'reKident af Hie D'liiinher of Commerce. 

(\,. 141.) 
KNOKAVKI) KXI'ltF.KSI.Y FOK THIS WOUK KKDM A PII0TO<;l: AI'II BY BKOWX, 



EGBERT M. FUNKHOU8EE. 143 

•ward, he commenced a dry-goods business with Mr. Mattox, on a small 
scale, which he subsequently carried on himself, and made it lucrative. 
He continued this for four or five years, and tliis may be said to bo the 
comtncncement of tlie large fortuTie he has since amassed. 

Amid the political agitation to which Missouri has been subjected, and 
drawn so many into its wild and unhealthful excitement, Mr. Funk- 
houscr was never allured from his business, to take part in the factional 
disputes. His business engrossed all of his time, and its extensive opera- 
tions required all of his watchfulness. 

In April, 1848, Mr. Funkhouser married Miss Sclmes, daughter of 
the Mr. Sclmes who first took him in his employ, when he was a young 
vender of looking-glasses. It may be pioper here to observe, that Mr. 
Sclmes is still living, and is a wealthy and influential citizen of Hannibal, 
Missouri. 

As a business man Mr. Funkhouser has but few equals, and the suc- 
cess which he has met with, is the best criterion of his business excellence; 
as a man of integrity the following responsible positions which he holds 
are testimonials of the regard of the community. He is a director in the 
Southern Hank ; in the Millers' and Manufacturers' Insurance Company ; 
in the Western Wrecking Company; of the Ileal Estate Saving Associa- 
tion ; and is President of the Cliamber of Commerce, and Vice-President 
of the Building and Saving Association. He has been for years connect- 
ed with the Fire Department, and lias done much to bring it to its pres- 
ent state of elHcient usefulness. He is still young, and is in the very 
prime of physical vigor and matured experience. He can enjoy the fruit 
of the seed he has sown, whilst his nature is susceptible of enjoyment, and 
the stamina of life have not weakened and decayed. He has all the ele- 
ments of happiness within his reach, and they are of his own creation. 



DR. M. L. LINTON. 

This eminent physician was born in Nelson county, Kentucky, April 
12th, 1808. His father was a respectable farmer, who had immigrated to 
Kentucky from Loudon county, Virginia. Young Linton was raised as 
the sons of industrious farmers are usually raised in Virginia and Ken- 
tucky, by going to school and occasionally working upon the farm; but 
the schools in which it was his fortune to become the inmate were of a 
very inferior quality. However, there was a grammar-school establish- 
ed in his neighborhood, to which he went for a few weeks, and learned 
effectually the principles of the English language. 

A little circumstance will often give a direction to the life of an in- 
dividual, and turn the thoughts into channels for which they have a 
natuial affinity, and from which they never after depart. A physician 
dwelt in the house of young Linton's iiithcr, and the young boy, anxious 
to glean knowledge from every source, would read the medical books thus 
accidentally thrown in his way, and at once evinced a strong inclination 
to become master of their contents. This influenced him in the choice 
of his profession, and, on arriving at the age of manhood, he went to 
Springfield, and studied medicine under the instruction of Dr. J. H. 
Polin. With him he remained tAVo years, with great benefit, and pos- 
sessing rare advantages ; for Dr. Polin was at once biased in his favor, 
and not only carefully gave him the instruction necessary for his profes- 
sion, but, being an accomplished scholar, instructed him in the Latin and 
Greek languages, and other branches which had before been neglected, 
and which are so essential to the education of the physician and the 
gentleman. After leaving Dr. Polin, he graduated at Transylvania College, 
Lexington, and commenced practice in Hancock county, where he re- 
mained for two years, and then went to Springfield, where he entered into 
partnership with his former friend and instructor. Dr. Polin. In 1839 
Dr. Linton went to Europe for the purpose of accomplishing himself still 
more in his profession, by visiting the various hospitals and institutions 
with which that country abounds. He passed one year abroad ; a portion 
of the time was agreeably spent in the company of Dr. Charles A. Pope, 
whom he fortunately encountered in Paris. 

On Dr. Linton's return to the United States, he was invited to take a 
professor's chair in the medical department of the St. Louis University, 
which he still occupies. 

Dr. Linton married Miss Anna Rachel Booker, daughter of Judge 
Booker of Kentucky. He has never strayed fiom the orbit of his pro- 
fession, and has been untiring in his devotion to the pursuit he has chosen. 
He established the St. Louis Medical Journal in 1843, which has always 
been edited with great ability, and has the entire confidence of the 
profession. Dr. McPheeters is associated with him in the editorial 
charge of the journal. Dr. Linton has contributed many ably-written 
treatises on medical subjects, and is the author of a volume called the 
" Outlines of Pathology," which, by its simple and lucid arrangement, 
was not only suitable as a text-book for the student, but for general in- 
struction. He has the confidence of the public, a most extensive practice, 
and is the president of the Medical Society of St. Louis. 




Dr. JI. L. LINTON. 

r.xor.AVFi) i:xPKi:ssLY For. this work fkom a imiutograpii r.v liKowN-. 




HON. JAMES S. GKEEN. 

(I). 147.) 

EN(iIIAVEU KXPRK8SLY Vol: TIMS WORK FBOM A PIK.ToGRAIMI BY BROWN. 



HON. JAMES S. GREEN. 

Virginia has ever been prolific in jjiving birth to eminent men, and the 
subject of this memoir was born near Rectortown, Fauquier county, in the 
year 1817. From a boy he sedulously devoted himself to the cultivation 
of his intellect, and the few advantages whicli he possessed he embraced 
to the utmost. He did not receive the collegiate finish of an education ; 
but his own application to the advancement of his mind supplied every 
deficiency, and when he grew to manhood, there were few who possessed 
his funcf of information. 

James S. Green was of an aspiring disposition, and, at the age of nine- 
teen he determined to leave the precincts of the " Old Dominion," and 
seek his fortune in a clime where the business current was not so stagnant, 
and his eftbrts for future distinction more certain of accomplishment. 
He went first to Alabama, and after a short sojourn, he ascended the 
Mississippi, on a visit of observation to Missouri. This was in 1847. 
The visit was perfectly satisfactory, for that state has ever since been his 
home. He was admitted to the bar in 1840, and, being qualified in his 
profession, and possessing that suavity of manner so natural to the Vir- 
ginian, he soon obtained a lucrative practice. 

Feeling conscious of superior abilities, and anxious for distinction, he 
entered the political arena as champion of the Democratic party, and in 
1844, was a Democratic presidential elector for Missouri. It was at this 
time that his star commenced to rise in the political firmament, and the 
people of Missouri became convinced, by the talents which he displayed 
in the campaign, that he would at a future time become one of the guid- 
ing lights of the Democratic party. He was appointed in 1845 one of 
the framers of the present constitution of Missouri, an appointment signifi- 
cant of the highest trust, and which was shared by the most talented 
citizens of the state. 

In 1846, Mr. Green was elected to Congress. His advent in the White 
House was at a time it was rife with excitement and agitated by a storm 
of political debate. It was when the troops of the United States were 
reaping their laurels at Resaca de la Pal ma, at Buena Vista, and other 
battle-fields in Mexico. The party opposed to the administration tried 
to bring it into disfavor, because it took measures to chastise a country 
that had been insultingly encroaching on our national rights since the 
Texas annexation. Mr. Green defended the policy of Mr. Polk with that 
lucid ness and strength of argument which are characteristic of his oratory, 
and from that time he was looked upon as one of the leading spirits of 
the Democratic party, and was regarded with respect by his opponents. 

In 1848, he was elected to serve another term in the national Con- 
gress, and, the great boundary question between Missouri and Iowa com- 



150 HON. JAMES S. GREEN. 



ing up at that time for argument, the governor of Missouri paid the 
young representative a high compliment by appointing him to defend the 
rights of the state. Ills effort before the Supreme Court of the United 
States was worthy of the subject and the expectation of admiring friends. 
His constituents were so well satisfied with him during his representative 
capacity, that they nominated him for a third term, as possessing the 
greatest weight of political influence that could be brought to bear 
against the powerful odds that were arrayed against that part of the 
Democratic party which had remained true to the creed of its political 
faith ; many having apostatized through the influence of Colonel Ben- 
ton, thereby cutting up and weakening the party. He was defeated in 
tlie election of 1850, but, in 1853, was appointed minister to New C4ren- 
ada. In 1854, he resigned this appointment, and returned to Missouri, 
and practised his profession till 185G, when he was again elected to 
Congress, but, prior to taking his seat, the legislature of Missouri, know- 
ing his abihty and confident in his honor, elected him to the United States 
Senate, and he resigned his claim to a seat in the House of Representa- 
tives. 

Immediately on taking his seat in the august body to which he had 
been elected, Mr. Green entered warmly into the debate at that time 
taking place on the Lecompton Constitution. He supported the position 
of Mr. Buchanan in a speech so effective in argument and perspicuous in 
its style, that it called forth the commendations of the whole Union, and 
perplexed the designs of the talented but factious spirits who had arrayed 
themselves against the acts of the administration. 

As a speaker, Mr. Green has not that fault so characteristic of politi- 
cians, of speaking for sensation effect. He never rises to his feet on any 
occasion until he is master of his subject. His eloquence is of the 
argumentative order, displaying facts in their natural attire, without try- 
ing to array 'them in rhetorical beauties that might make them please the 
imagination, but weaken their effect. One of the effective attributes of 
his popularity is the purity of his character. It is this which has given 
him the esteem of all men and the unbounded confidence of his consti- 
tuents. He will leave as a heritage to his children, wealth, honor, and 
position — and all has been his own work. 




HON. LUTHER M.KENNETT. 

(p. 151.1 

ENGRAVED EXPRESSLY FOR THIS WORK FROM A PIIOTOGRAPIl HY HROWN. 



IIOK LUTHER M. KENNETT. 

Luther M. Kennett was born at Falmouth, Pendleton county, Ken- 
tucky, March loth, 1807. His fether. Press Graves Kennett, was a respect- 
able and influential citizen of Falmouth, holding for inapy years the office 
of clerk of Pendleton county and Circuit Court, and was likewise pres- 
ident of the Falmouth Branch of Commonwealth Bank. He was a man 
of fine information, and consequently was anxious that all of the avenues 
of education should be opened to his children. 

Luther M. Kennett, after receiving a good English education and some 
knowledge of Latin, from the most respectable seminaries of learning, was 
sent to Georgetown, Kentucky, where he remained for two years, under 
the instruction of the Rev. Barton W. Stone, a distinguished Baptist divine, 
who was a profound scholar, and faithful in his duties of instructor, both 
in a pastoral and secular capacity. He boarded in the family of that 
gentleman, and became a good Latin scholar, and was making a fair prog- 
ress in the Greek and French, when his father, meeting with reverses, he 
was taken from school, at fifteen years of age, and, at once, had to seek a 
situation, that he might do something toward his livelihood. He obtained 
a situation as deputy-clerk of the county court of his native place, where 
he remained for eighteen months, with his uncle, Wm. C. Kennett, who 
then had charge of the clerk's office, and, at the invitation of General 
James Taylor, of Newport, who was clerk of Campbell county, he removed 
to that county, and performed the duties of deputy-clerk, and devoted 
his leisure hours to the reading of law. In 1825, when he was eighteen 
years of age, animated by that feverish desire of change of place, so often 
an attendant upon young ambition, he came to St. Louis, then insignif- 
icant in size, resolving to prosecute the study of the law, which he had 
pursued during some interims of leisure, and for which he had formed a 
predilection. To carry out this design, it was necessary that he should 
make some business arrangement by which he could live while complet- 
ing his studies; and, not being able to effect this double object, he en- 
gaged in a store, as clerk, and after a short time he went to Farmington, 
St. Francis county, and served in the same capacity. -From Farmington 
he went to Selma, Jefferson county, now the residence of his brother, 
Colonel F. Kennett, where he became acquainted with Captain James M. 
White, a merchant of St. Louis, and nephew of Hon. Hugh Lawson 
White, of Tennessee, with whom he formed a copartnership, and with 
whom he continued fifteen years. This connection in business pursuits 
proved very fortunate to Mr. Kennett, and he amassed an ample fortune. 
His success was not accidental ; it was the fruit of his energy, integrity 
and business capacity. His connection with Mr. White continued for 
many years, and resulted in a mutual and permanent friendship which 
subsisted until the death of Mr. White. 

In 1832, Mr. Kennett was married to Miss Boyce, who survived her 
marriage but three years, leaving a daughter, who is now the wife of 
Benjamin O'Farrar, of St. Louis county ; and in 1842, having returned 
5 



154 HON. LUTHER M. KENNETT. 

to St. Lonis from the mining region, he was elected alderman of the 
fourth ward, and served three years. ]Ie was again elected, in 1846, 
but shortly afterward resigned, to make a tour to Europe to bcnotit his 
health, and to witness the luxuriant growth of science and art in that 
nursery of civilization. 

Mr. Kennett had returned but a short time from his continental tour, 
when St. Louis was visited by that dangerous malady, the Asiatic cholera, 
which has proved such a scourge to many of the cities and towns of the 
Union. At this visitation — the ever-remembered year of 1849 — St. Louis 
presented the spectacle of a charnel-house, so awful were the ravages of 
that dreadful disease. In vain skilful physicians, for a time, would stem 
its progress; some boat from the south, freighted with the pestilence, would 
arrive at the wharf, and again it would spread over the city. The citizens 
were determined on establishing a quarantine, and Mr. Kennett was on 
the committee of twelve appointed to select the location, and carry out 
the wishes of the people. The very day of his appointment, in conjunc- 
tion with his colleagues, he took boat to put the design in execution. 
That year he served as chairman of the committee who got up the Pacific 
Railroad Convention at St. Louis, and was vice-president of the company 
which was organized to commence the work. In the next year, 1850, 
being elected mayor of the city, he removed the first shovelful of earth, 
as a commencement of the great railroad, which, in time, will become one 
of the main arteries of the Union. 

When major, Mr. Kennett was indefatigable in his exei'tions for the 
welfare of the city. He looked upon the health of the city as a blessing 
that could not be measured by dollars and cents. He was an advocate of, 
and efficiently adopted the practice of extensive sewerage, that St. Louis 
might be drained of its impurities ; and his efforts in that particular will 
long be remembered gratefully by the well-thinking portion of our citizens. 
He served two terms as mayor. 

In 1853, he was elected president of the Iron Mountain Railroad, and, 
as vice-president of the Pacific Railroad, delivered the address, on open- 
ing the first division of thirty-seven miles for travel. He was candidate 
for the Thirty-Fourth Congress, in 1854, and, on being elected to the 
national council of his country, proved himself an exemplary and efficient 
member. 

Whilst a member of Congress, Mr. Kennett, being a member of the 
Committee on Commerce, conti'ibuted much to secure the appropriations 
made for the Mississippi Rapids, and also to procure the right of way 
from the general government through the grounds of the arsenal and Jef- 
ferson Barracks, for the Iron Mountain Railroad. 

Mr. Kennett now resides at his fine country residence, appropriately 
called Fair View, in St. Louis county, happy in the pure enjoyment of 
the domestic circle. He has six children by his last marriage. He mar- 
ried Miss Agnes A. Kennett, daughter of the late Dixon H. Kennett, in 
the spring of 1842, who was his cousin, and now occupies a more en- 
dearing relation. 

He was friendless and almost penniless when he came to St. Louis, and 
now he is in possession of friends, affluence, and position, and owes this 
possession to his honorable exertions and high moral attributes. 




S A M U E I, B . W I(J G I N S , K S Q. 

(p. 15-0 

KNfir.AVKD EXI'llESSI.Y FOi: THIS AVORIC rnoxr a 1MIu1(),;i;ai.m i;v TROXKI.. 



SAMUEL B. WIGGINS. 

Samuel B.Wiggins was born December lltk 1814, in Charleston, S.C. 
His uncle, Samuel Wiggins, now of Cincinnati, in the year 1817, estab- 
lished a horse ferry across the Mississippi River, which proved to be very 
lucrative. In 1823, this uncle was joined by William C. Wiggins, the 
father of the subject of this memoir, who came to St. Louis in 1818. In 
1828, there was an improvement made in the ferry arrangement. The 
proprietors were men of judgment and enterprise, and could see in the 
future the magnitude of the infant city. The horse of flesh and blood 
was thrown aside, and the iron horse, with his unyielding sinews, was sub- 
stituted, to force the ferry-boat across the swift current of the " Father of 
Waters." The ferry became incorporated in 1832, and is known as 
Wiggins's Ferry Company. 

Samuel B.Wiggins, who heads this article, first commenced business in 
the state of Illinois, where he was clerk for Mr. S. C. Christy, but finding 
little to encourage a residence in that state, he, as well as Mr. Christy, 
came to St. Louis, and commenced business as Christy & Wiggins, which 
was carried on for some time, and Mr. Christy retiring, Mr. Wiggins re- 
mained alone until he took his brother into partnership, and the new firm 
was known as S. B. Wiggins & Co. After a continuance of some time, 
the firm was again changed to Wiggins & Anderson, a well-known grocery 
and dry goods firm, which dissolved in 1859. 

Mr. Wiggins was married to Miss Wilson, of Philadelphia, May 31st, 
1838. He has been the architect of his own fortune. He has always 
followed the golden maxim, " Attend to your business and it will attend 
to you." As far as worldly wealth is concerned, he has accomplished a 
sufficiency, and is now retired. In review of his life, he does not have 
to mourn over an ill-spent youth, but can look upon the past and derive 
pleasure from the retrospect. He is extensively known in St. Louis, and 
lias won golden opinions from all men. He has filled many important 
positions in business life, and is now a director in the Southern Bank, also 
in the Pacific Insurance Company, and was for fifteen years a director in 
the Citizens' Insurance Company. His life is a bright example to the 
living and to posterity. 



REV. JOHN HOGAN, 

POSTMASTER OF ST. LOUIS. 

John Hogan was born January 2d, 1805, in Mallow, county of Cork, 
Ireland. His parents, Thomas and Marv Hogan, without beinor wealthy, 
were in comt'ortable circumstances by their own industry, the father pur- 
suing the avocation of a baker, and doing an extensive business. He had 
some relatives residing in the United States, and, from the favorable state- 
ments he received from them, and at their earnest solicitation, he sailed, 
in 1817, for America, and, on landing at Norfolk, immediately proceeded 
from thence to Baltimore, where his friends resided. The hopes of Mr. 
Hogan, from continual communications, had been highly elevated. He 
had formed extravagant expectations of the country across the Atlantic. 
He gave up his home, abandoned business, parted with friends, and sun- 
dered a thousand ties which naturally cluster around a person during 
years of residence in a place. Thus, when he looked upon the country 
which was to be the future home of his family, he was sadly disappointed 
in his expectations; and then a deep melancholy seized upon him, and he 
died from grief. 

The situation of the family at this juncture was a distressing one — they 
were deprived of their natural protector and left in destitute circumstances. 
It was necessary to make some provision for the children, and John, who 
was the eldest, was apprenticed to a shoemaker, by the name of James 
Hance, father of the present Seth C. Hance, a well-known and extensive 
druggist in the city of Baltimore. 

The elements which form the leading principles in the character of an 
individual, will make an effort to develop themselves under all circum- 
stances; and John Hogan's anxiety for knowledge was evinced by the 
means to which he resorted to attain it. With some little assistance from 
his fellow workmen, he learned his letters, and then to read, from copies 
of the Federal Gazette, a popular journal at that time, and printed in 
large type. He also attended regularly the Sunday-schools, where he 
garnered both mental and moral instruction, and feeling the force of relig- 
ious influences, became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at 
sixteen years of age. 

After completing his term of indenture, he commenced preaching the 
gospel, and was sent by the Conference of his chuich, as an itinerant 
preacher, to the AVest. He joined the Illinois Conference, and traveled 
much through that state and Indiana. After spending some time in this 
preaching pilgrimage, he applied to the Conference for a location, and 
subsequently united himself in wedlock to Miss Mary M. West, of St. 
Clair county, Illinois. His application was finally granted, and Mr. 




■'•'^^'yj:s:> 



JOHN HOGAN, p:SQ., 
Postmaster of St. Louis. 

(p. 159.) 

ENCRAVF.D EXl'BKSSLY FOn THIS Wnr.K FROM A T'HOTOCRAPll. 



i 



Ki:v. JOHN HOOAN. 161 



Hop^an opened a store at Edwardsville, Illinois, He renriained in Ed- 
watdsvillc until 1833, and then located himself at Alton, and, whilst 
there, was elected to the Illinois lej^islature. In 1837, he succumbed, as 
most others did, to the financial revulsion of that period, Laving endorsed 
larg<'ly. 

Whilst a citizen of Illinois Mr. Ilo^jan largely enjoyed the confidence 
of the community, and filled, very efficiently, several important offices. 
He was commissioner of public works for two years, and was afifXiinted, 
in 1841, by General Harrison, register of the land office in Dixon, of 
that state. These appointments were very satisfactory to the people, and 
he filled them in the most creditable manner. 

In 184.5, Mr. Ilogan lost his wife, and he determined to remove from 
the scenes which would continually remind him of his domestic aflSiction, 
and went to St. Louis the same year, and became salesman in the large 
grocery establishment of Edward J. Gay k Co. He continued in this 
house for several yeans, first as salesman, and then as partner. He then 
retired from commercial pursuits, and, in 18.50, became agent for the Mis- 
souri State Mutual Insurance Company, where he continued five years; 
and it was during that period a series of articles appeared in the Misnouri 
Republican^ ¥-i\\cA, "Thoughts on St. Louis," which were read with avid- 
ity by the community, and excited a general interest. The author who 
had displayed in such an attractive manner the commercial and manu- 
facturing business of the city, could not remain incof/nito, and the mer- 
chants of the city presented Mr. Hogan with a beautiful service of silver, 
as a testimonial of their appreciation of his literary efforts, which had given 
the public an insight into the manufacturing and commercial world of St. 
Louis. In 18.58, he was appointed postmaster of St. Louis, under the 
administration of Mr. Buchanan, which office he still holds. 

Mr. Ilogan has filled many positions of trust in St. Louis. He was 
president of the Dollar Saving Institution, now Exchange Bank, and was 
then a director; and, from the high order of his business capacities, he 
could have been connected with many corporations, but his time, absorbed 
by other pursuits, forbade too many connections of this kind. As a poli- 
tician, he is well known as an able champion of the Democratic party, firm 
and fearless in the expression of his principles, but never indulging in the 
■wholesale vituperation which ever marks the character of the blustering 
demagogue. As an author, he is well and favorably known, and has won 
"golden opinions," not only from the work which we have before men- 
tioned — " Thoughts on the City of St. Louis" — but also from being the 
author of the "History of Methodism in the West," and of a little pam- 
phlet, titled "The Resources of Missouri." His style is terse, clear, and 
spirited, and characterized with an originality that is refreshing, in these 
days of literary productions — "Nothing new under the sun." 

Mr. Ilogan was married the second time, in 1847, to Miss Harriett 
Gamier, daughter of Joseph V. Gamier, of St. Louis. He has always 
been connected with the Methodist persuasion, and is now a trustee and 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Centenary Church of this city. 



THE ST. LOUIS PRESS. 



There are few cities in the Union, with the same population, which can 
boast of journals of a higher order than the city of St. Louis. They are 
all ably edited, and none of them but have a respectable circulation. We 
will give a list of them all, with the names of the respective editors. 
There will be a slight historical sketch of the most prominent, and accom- 
panying the whole will be found the photographs and biographies of those 
gentlemen who most effectually represent the St. Louis press. We would 
gladly have inserted some other photographs and biographies of the 
talented gentlemen who represent the other journals, but this work has 
swelled into a magnitude little contemplated at its commencement. 

The people of St. Louis are emphatically a reading people, and are 
sensibly aware of the colossal influence over all business pursuits which a 
generous support of newspapers always produces ; and it is one of the 
most infallible signs of the business extent and success in St. Louis to see 
her journals thus handsomely supported. 

The Missouri Republican. 

The Missouri Republican is the oldest newspaper west of the Missis- 
sippi Valley, and, with but two exceptions, is the largest sheet in the 
Union. It was established in July, 1808, in a small room in a one-story 
building, under the name of the Missouri Gazette, and the man who set 
up the type for the first issue is still living in the state of Indiana, by the 
name of Hincle. He has been recently in St. Louis, and called to see 
the establishment of the journal that many years ago was no larger in 
dimensions than a quarto page. The paper has undergone many changes 
since that time. The little one-story house, in which first it had its being, 
has long since disappeared, and now a colossal six-story building is 
scarcely sufficient to afford room for the requirements of the journal. 

The Republican, in the various gradations of its advance, is as sure an 
index of the growth of St. Louis as is a mathematical calculation. Its little 
small columns first suited the small village, and as year by year the town 
grew, it swelled in its dimensions; and when St. Louis became the metro- 
polis of the West, it had outstripped in size and circulation every other 
journal west of the Alleghany Mountains. It has ever been devoted to 
the welfare of the city, and St. Louis owes much of its present important 
position to the influence of its columns. 

The Missouri Republican is now owned by Messrs. George Knapp, 
Nathaniel Paschall, and John Knapp. It has a daily circulation the 



1G4: THE ST. LOUIS PRESS. 



largest in the city, a tri-weekly, and weekly one, also two California 
editions. There are one hundred and seventy-six hands employed in its 
office, and the weekly expenses are $5,000. Nathaniel Paschall is its 
chief editor, assisted by an efficient corps of talented gentlemen. 

The Missouri Democrat. 

The Missouri Democrat was established in 1852 by William McKee and 
William Hill, under propitious auspices. All the patronage wliioli had 
been bestowed upon the Sentinel and Union, two popular journals, was 
turned upon the new enterprise ; for both of these papers were discon- 
tinued at the commencement oi iha Democrat ; so that it could enter 
upon its career with the fairest prospects. 

The wants of the community required the establishment of a journal 
of the political tenets advocated by the Democrat, for since the establish- 
ment of the ^'Darnburner,''^ some years previously by Mr. McKee, in 1848, 
tVeesoilism had become very popular, and the new journal came into 
being with hosts of friends. In consequence of feeble health, Mr. Hill 
sold out his interest to Mr, George M. Fishback, a son of Judge Fishback, 
and a humorous and popular writer. He is the commercial editor of the 
paper, and is most efficient in that department. 

Day by day the Democrat has been gathering strength and popularity, 
and now, in the eighth year of its existence, ranks second to no -other 
paper in the great Mississippi Valley. 

The Daily Evening News and IntcUiffcncer. 

The Daihj Evening News, jointly owned by Charles G. Ramsey and 
Abraham S. Mitchell, was established in 1852, and started with the small 
circulation of five hundred copies. It was ably edited and soon became 
regarded with favor by the community. Its circulation has continually 
increased until it has reached 4,000 dailies, 7,000 weeklies, and 500 tri- 
weeklies, and the weekly expenses of the establishment are nearly $1,000 
Mr, Abraham S, Mitchell, editor, Mr, I>aniel N, Grisson, associate-editor. 
There are also able reporters connected with the journal. 

The Evening Bulletin. 

This already popular journal was established in 1859 by Messrs, Peckam 
«fe Bittenger, who, in a few months afterward, disposed of it to Mr, Eu- 
gene Longmaier, a young gentleman of fine attainments, who has com- 
menced his editorial career with much promise. 

Mr. Longmaier is particularly suited to the atmosphere of St. Louis, 
for he was born in the Mound City — his parents also, and his grandparents ; 
and his great-grandmother, Madame Elizabeth Ortes, is the oldest inhabit- 
ant of the place. His journal is decidedly partisan, and embraces the 
Democratic creed. It has a daily and weekly issue. 

The St. Louis Daibj Express. 

The St. Louis Daily Express was established in 1858, by Wm. Cuddy, 
a gentleman for many years practically connected with journalism. Its 
first issue was in a miniature form, which continued for some months, 



THE ST. LOUIS PEE88. 166 



until its increasinir patronage justified its increasing size. It is now a 
large and respectable sheet, and progressing in influence and circulation. 
It is published also weekly. 

The Home Press. 

This is the name of a highly promising journal, born at the commence- 
ment of the year 1860, and under the charge of It. V. Kennedy, T. M. 
Hatpin, and James Peckam. It is truly a family and literary paper, and 
the only one that can lay claim to that appellation west of the Mississippi. 

The St. Louis Daily Herald. 

This popular sheet was established in DecemVjer, 1852. It is at present 
owned and ably edited by Mr. James L. Faiicett, under whose efficient 
inaiiagement it has reached an extensive circulation. It has a daily cir- 
culation, and likewise an extensive weekly one. 

There are also in the city of St. Louis several other daily and weekly 
newspapers published in the English language — the »S7. Louix Observer, 
published weekly by A. F. Cox, and edited by the Rev. Milton Bird; the 
St. Louis Presbyterian, published weekly by Messrs. Keith <fc Woods, and 
edited by the Rev. James H. Page ; the St. Tjouis Christian Advocate, a 
weekly sheet, published by the Methodist Conference, and edited by the 
Rev. D. R. M'Anally; the Western Watchman, published weekly, and 
edited by the Rev. William Cromwell; the Central Christian Advocate, a 
weekly sheet, edited by the liev. Joseph Brooks ; and the Western Ban- 
ner, pulilished weekly, and edited by Mr. B. D. Killian. 

All of these journals are edited with ability, have a respectable circula- 
tion, and exercise an important influence in the various circles of society 

RICHARD Edwards' publications. 

The People\s Press. — A daily journal, independent in politics and relig- 
ion ; its aim, the people's good. 

I'he People's Weekly Press. — An Excelsior family newspaper. 

Edwards' Monthly. — A journal of western progress, an organ of the 
progression in art, literature, science, agriculture, banking, internal im- 
provements, etc., etc. 

Hdwards' Western Almanac. — A correct and standard almanac for the 
million, containing also sprinklings in every department of knowledge — a 
yearly visitor which every family looks for with pleasure. 



GERMAN NEWSPAPERS. 

As the Germans form at lea.st one-half of our Great Metropolis, it may 
■well be supposed that their interest is fully represented by a number of 
journals in their native language. Wherever they are found the Germans 
are characterized by the possession of those elements of character which 
always contribute to their worldly prosperity. They are not as fast in 
their ideas as Young America, bnt they have more solidity of character, 
and are more constant and untiring in their pursuits, and are generally 



166 THE ST. LOUIS PRESS. 



more sure of gaining the race in life and arriving at the goal of fortune. 
They resemble the tortoise in the fable — slow, constant, and successful. 

Ayizeiger des Westens — [Henry Boernstein proprietor.) 

This popular and influential journal was established October 20th, 18.35. 
It is the oldest German newspaper in the city of St. Louis, but had to 
content itself with a small issue of only 500 copies the first year of its ex- 
istence. The energy and talent of Henry Boernstein, to whom it owes 
its creation, soon made its merit apparent, and its circulation rapidly in- 
creased. Now it has a daily issue of G,219, and a weekly one of 6,747. 
Editors, Henry Boernstein and Cliarles L. Bernays. 

From the same office dso issue two Sunday papers, the Saloon^ estab- 
lished in 1854, and the WestUche Blaetter in 1859. They have conjointlp 
a circulation of 1,500 copies. All of the papers are conducted in a manner 
which evinces a knowledge of the wants of the people, tact, and ability. 

Si. Louis Daily Chronicle. 

This ably edited' paper is owned by Mr. Francis Saler and Mr. Adelbert 
Loehr. It has not been in existence many years, but has already a largo 
circulation and a widespread influence. The St. Louis Weekly Chronicle, 
under the charge of the same proprietor and editor, is in increasing de 
mand and gotten up^ in an attractive form.. 

Der Herald des Glaubens. 

Der Herald de» Glaubens is a Catholic Sunday journal, under the charge 
of Mr. Anthony Bockling. It has many friends, and is rapidly increasing 
its circulation. 

Wesliche Post. 

Wesliche Post is published daily and weekly. It is received with much 
favor by the public, and its columns bear ample testimony that they are 
under charge of talented and experienced editors. They are journals of 
intrinsic value, and have an extensive and growing circulation. Messrs. 
Daenzer &, Wenzell, editors and proprietors. The Mississippi Blaetter, a 
popular Sunday paper, is issued by the same gentlemen. 

Mississippi HandeVs Zeitung. 

This is the only German paper west of New York that may be called 
a thorough commercial journal. It was established by Mr. Robert Wid- 
man \n 1857. It commenced in the very midst of great pecuniary pressure, 
but has met with the most sanguine success. It has doubled its size and 
has a large circulation. It is a weekly sheet and under the editorial 
charge of Robert Widman,, Dr. Koch, and Joseph Bauer. 

Revue de V Quest — (a French newspaper, J. Wolf proprietor). 

This ably edited journal is well known amid the educated portion of 
the French inhabitants of the city, and likewise among those American 
families, of whom there is a great number, that are familiar with the 
French language. It was established in 1854, and has now a circulation 
of 2,500. It is a weekly sheet, and Mr. Louis Cortambert, a gentleman 
of fine literary attainments, is its accomplished' editor. 



THE ST. LOinS PRESS. 167 



NATHANIEL PASCHALL, 

EDITOR OF "the REPUBLICAN." 

In writing the biography of Nathaniel Paschall it is but proper to pre- 
mise that he is the oldest editor west of the Mississippi River, and from 
his long connection with the most induential journal in the west, is more 
extensively known than any citizen in Missouri. 

He was born April 4th, 1 804, at Knoxville, Tennessee. "When he was but 
a child his father removed to St.. Genevieve, where he remained but a 
limited time ; for, having lost his wife in his new abode, he came to St. 
Louis. While in St. Genevieve, the little advantages afforded by the vil- 
lage school were enjoyed by the subject of this memoir, and when he 
came to St. Louis, though but twelve years of age, his business life com- 
menced, and he became a worker in the busy hive of population. 

At the time of his advent in St. Louis, the Republican, under another 
name, had been in existence some eight years, and being agreeable to his 
inclinations, which even at that early age tended to a love of knowledge, 
he was apprenticed to Mr. Joseph Cliarless,.its proprietor, and commenced 
learning a pursuit for which a predisposition appears to have fitted him, 
and which he has pursued with so much success. His ambition, his tact, 
and natural talents quickly passed him through the various gradations of 
his art. He was not only ambitious to excel in the mechanical execution 
of his business, but having a thirst for literature, he read with avidity the 
standard authors of his language, and, studying their style, learned the art 
of composition, and long before he was free from his indenture, he could, 
and did write spicy editorials. 

Two years after the retirement of Mr. Joseph Charless from the print- 
ing business, his son, Edward Charless, assumed the proprietorship, and 
under his charge the paper took the name which it now bears. The 
paper then underwent some changes in its proprietorship, all of which 
time Mr. Paschall remained connected with it, until, in 1827, the firm 
became Charless & Paschall, and while in this connection the little weekly 
sheet was increased several times in size, as the wants of the community re- 
quired, and first came to have a tri-weekly and then a daily existence. From 
his first advent as a writer he became devoted to the interests of his adopted 
state and city, and the almost omnipotent influence of the Republican, 
from his first connection with it, was lent to advance and advocate all 
measures that were likely to forward the progress of St. Louis and sub- 
serve the interest of Missouri. He became one of the proprietors of the 
Republican in 1827, and in 1837 he and Mr. Charless disposed of the 
Republican to Messrs. Chambers, Harris, and Knapp. 

When Mr. Paschall retired from the Republican he had amassed an 
ample competency, but, meeting with some pecuniary reverses, which 
rendered it necessary for him again to take up the pen, which before had 
been the means that raised him to wealth and position, he then com- 



168 THE ST. LOUIS PRESS. 



menced, in connection with CliarlesG. Ramsay, the publication of a journal 
styled the New Era, which was received with great favor by the people, 
and for some time exercised an important influence over the current 
events of the day. Being elected clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, 
he gave up, to some extent, the editorial chair, to fulfil the duties of his 
new appointment. About this time he was invited to become associate- 
editor of the Republican, then under the charge of Colonel Chambers 
and George Knapp, and again became connected with the journal, 
which he had raised to importance and influence during his proprietorship. 
As associate-editor he continued in connection with the Republican until 
the death of Colonel Chambers; and when the family of the lamented 
deceased disposed of his interest, Mr. Paschal 1 again became one of the 
proprietors of the journal, and the firm of George Knapp & Co. came 
into existence. 

In politics Mr. Paschall has ever been allied with the old Whig party, and 
durino-its existence was its most efticient champion in advocating and defend- 
ing its principles, and the Republican was the organ of the party. When 
the Whig party died, Mr. Paschall, being identified with no other, in the 
presidential contest of 1856 advocated the election of Buchanan, as being 
the least objectionable of the candidates, without committing himself to 
the support of the party to which he belonged. Since the old Whig party, 
with which he was so long identified, is no more in existence, he has be- 
come pledged to no other, and reserves to himself the independence and 
privilege of supporting what men and measures will be most subservient to 
the interests of the state and country. 

There are few men now living more intimately acquainted with the 
political history of the western country than Mr. Paschall, and, becoming 
a resident of Missouri while it was a territory, he has efficiently aided her 
in her colossal progress. 

In his friendship Mr. Paschall is warm and constant, and those who 
possess it regard it as an invaluable boon. His name adds weight with 
whatever it is associated, and is familiar to almost every hearthstone in 
Missouri. 

In 1832, Mr. Paschall was married to Mrs. Martha E, Edgar, and has 
a large family of children. He may be said to have spent a long life amid 
the wearing labors and mental excitement incident to editorial life. As a 
writer he is remarkable for his perspicuity, and his language possesses a 
massiveness which is overwhelming in argument. Though possessing 
sufficient acrimony as a politician to make him dreaded by his opponents, 
he never forgets the pride of self-respect, which prevents him from indulg- 
ing in the low, brawling slang of Billingsgate abuse. He has exercised the 
duties of an editor for nearly forty years in St. Louis, and has ever been an 
advocate of every measure, and gave them the powerful support of his 
columns, which had for their aim the benefit of the city or state. 

" Beneath the rule of men entirely great, 
The pen is mightier than the sword — 
The arch-enchanters wand" 



THE ST. LOUIS PRESS. 169 



A. P. LADEW. 

A. P. Ladew was born in Albany, New York, September 13th, 1811. 
His father, Stephen Ladew, was a man of fine abilities, following mer- 
chandiisng as a vocation, and served at one time in the confidential rela- 
tion of secretary to Governor De Witt Clinton. 

Young Ladew was sent to school until he was thirteen years of age, 
when he was put to learn the trade of type-making and stereotyping. He 
finished his trade in the well-known establishment of James Conner, now 
James Conner & Sons, whose establishment is one of the institutions of 
New York, and the most extensive in the city. After finishing his trade 
he was fortunate in forming the acquaintance and winning the confidence 
of Mr. L. Johnson of Philadelphia, whose magnificent type-foundry is well 
known throughout the Union, and under his patronage and that of George 
Charles, he came to St. Louis in 1838, and commenced the type-foundry 
business, the firm being styled George Charles & Co. This connection 
remained for four years, when Mr. Ladew bought out his associates, and 
to this day continues in the business. The St. Louis Type-Foundry is 
widely known in the West, and the firm of Ladew, Peers, & Co. is exten- 
sively and honorably known in the business world of St. Louis. 

From the circumstance of keeping a type-foundry, Mr, Ladew has had 
more or less acquaintance with the diff"erent newspaper enterprises that 
have started in St. Louis since he has been established in business. The 
establishing of a journal is precarious in any city, but in St. Louis it is 
particularly unfortunate. The warm rays of hope always flood the hearts 
of those who are making preparations to issue a new sheet. They pur- 
chase their type with bright anticipations of the future, and soon the new 
creation is before the public. The rare combination of tact, talent, and 
capital is wanting to render it successful, and after a few days or a few 
months it dies and is heard of no more. It is the experience of Mr. La- 
dew, and all who own type-foundries, that newspaper enterprises are the 
most precarious of all ventures, and so rarely do they succeed, that any 
one who engages in them is almost certain of failure. 

Mr. Ladew has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Catherine 
Leets of New Jersey; and his present estimable lady was Mrs. Lizzie E. 
Clark, whom he married, September 3d, 1856. He has been and is con- 
nected with some of the most important of our public institutions, which 
is evidence of the confidence he enjoys in the community. He has been a 
director of the St. Louis Building and Saving Association, was a member 
of the city council, was vice-president of the Commercial Insurance Com- 
pany, and is a director in the Bank of St. Louis. 



170 THE ST. LOUIS PRESS. 



COLONEL GEORGE KNAPP. 

George Knapp was born September 25th, 1814, in Montgomery, Orange 
county, New York, and when but a child, his parents immigrated to St. 
Louis* in December, 1819. At the early age of twelve he entered as an 
apprentice in the Republican office, then owned by Messrs. Charless & 
Paschall. In 1834 he reached the age of manhood proficient in his busi- 
ness, and, by liis upriglitness of character possessed of the esteem of a 
large circle of acquaintances. He still continued in the Republican, and 
two years afterward, August of 183G, he received from the proprietors 
of the journal an expressive mark of their esteem, by being presented 
with ail interest in the book and jobbing department ; and when Messrs. 
Charless & Paschall sold out in 1837, he became one of the proprietors 
with Messrs. Chambers & Harris. 

It is natural ft>r alJ men to feel a commetidable pride when they see 
that their merit has become acknowledged, and their efforts liave become 
rewarded by a well-deserved success, and George Knapp must have felt to 
the utmost the whispering praise of self-respect, when he found that at 
the early age of twenty-three he had become one of the proprietors of the 
most widely circulated and most influential journals in Missouri. When 
a small boy he entered the office in an humble capacity, and by the pos- 
session of sterling merit, and with a will that was determined upon success, 
he carved his way to fortune and position. He has been one of the pro- 
prietors of the Republican through all of its changes, from 1837 to the 
present. 

George Knapp, in 1835, took a part in the volunteer military service; 
and when the news flew through the Union like wild-fire that the troops 
of the United States and those of Mexico were in conflict, he was among the 
first to volunteer his services in 1846, and served in Mexico as lieutenant 
in the St. Louis Grays of the St. Louis Legion. He afterward became cap- 
tain and then colonel of the first battalion of the St. Louis Legion. As an 
officer he has always been most popular and respected. 

Colonel Knapp, by his virtues and his connection with the Republican 
is well known in St. Louis, and there is none whose fair fame is more pure. 
He is zealous in advocating and assisting all public-spirited enterprises; 
and many of the public buildings which now ornament the city owe their 
erection 'much to the zealous part he took in personally soliciting sub- 
scriptions. He has also been a stanch friend to railroads, and has sub- 
scribed liberally to their stock, lie has, by his industry and business 
qualifications, amassed a large fortune, but it has not chilled or destroyed 
the warm sympathies which make him so sensibly alive to the misfortunes 
of others. He is social, charitable, and public-spirited — alive to misfortune, 
and ready to relieve it ; and quick to advocate any measure that Avill ad- 
vance the interest of St. Louis or his adopted state. 

Colonel (Jeorge Knapp was married December 22d, 1840, to Miss 
Eleanor McCartan, daughter of Thomas McCartan, late of St. Louis. He is 
of a retiring disposition, more ready at all times to advance the merits 
of others than display his own ; and among the one hundred and ninety 
thousand citizens of St. Louis, there is no one more popular and 
respected. 



THE ST. LOUIS PRESS. 1*^% 



COLONEL CHARLES KEEMLE. 

In October, 1800, in the good old city of Philadelphia, Charles Keemle 
was born. His grandfather was a respectable physician, who eiiiigrated from 
Amsterdam and settled in the land of Penn. His father was a skilfnl mechanic, 
yet devoted but a little of his life to that pursuit, but as a commander of 
trading vessels, spent most of his time upon the rivers and the ocean. His 
mother died in the city of Norfolk, Virginia, when he was but six years 
of age, and he was placed in charge of an uncle until he was nine years of 
age, and then was put to learn the printing business in the office of the 
Norfolk Hei-ald, where he remained until 1816. He is, consequently, the 
oldest printer west of the Mississippi. 

The love of adventure was always a dominant trait in the character of 
Charles Keemle, and on leaving the office of the Norfolk Herald, at the 
suggestion of Dr. Jennings of Norfolk, who had a brother resident in Indiana, 
and looking forward to the chief magistracy of the state, he determined to 
go to Vincennes, Indiana, and there establish a paper. Accompanied by a 
fellow-printer of much more mature years, he started for his future desti- 
nation, where he arrived March, 1817, ha\ang performed that portion of 
the journey on foot between Baltimore and Pittsburgh. On March 14th, 
the first number of the Indiana Sentinel w&s, issued, published by Dillworth 
& Keemle. 

Believing, from the location of Vincennes, that it "would never become 
a great city, young Keemle accepted the invitation given to him by many 
influential citizens of St. Louis, and arrived there Angnst 2d, 1817. He 
took charge of a paper called the Emifjrant, which was the second journal 
west of the Mississippi, which was afterward merged into the SL Louis 
Enquirer, with which Thomas H. Benton was connected in the capacity of 
editor. The continued confinement beginning to tell on his constitution he 
gave up the printing business in August, 1820, and engaged as clerk to the 
American Fur-Company ; and now commences a portion of his history 
which is filled with romantic incident. 

The company started from St. Louis September, 1820, and spent the 
winter in trading successfully with the Kansas tribe of Indians. 

In 1821, Mr. Keemle was select(x1 by Major Joshua Pilcher to make one 
of a company of fifty-four, carefully picked for the occasion, to penetrate 
to the Rocky Mountains, to trade with the savage hordes of Indians who 
inhabited those far off wilds. The party started from Fort Lisa, in the 
vicinity of Council Bluff, and, after some perilous adventures, arrived at 
tlie mouth of the Yellowstone and commenced trading with the Crows, 
who inhabited that country, and sending out in all directions the ex- 
perienced hunters and trappers that they might obtain as large a quantity 
of beaver-skins as possible, whicii kind of fur was most desired by the 
company. Mr. Keemle acted as agent and clerk of the expedition, and 
for tin-ee years suffered all the hardships incident to living and trading in 
the remote wilderness, far from the pale of civilization. 



172 



THE ST. LOUIS PRESS. 



While in these remote regions, he narrowly escaped with his life from 
a murderous attack by an overwhelming number of Indians upon the few 
daring spirits who had ventured into their country. It was the closing 
of the Spring of 1823, that the company, which had become reduced to 
forty-one men, were trading on the head-waters of the Missouri, and from 
significant signs discovered that the Blackfeet Indians, who roamed over 
those regions, evinced a hostile intention. They saw large companies of 
that warlike tribe roaming in their vicinity, and evidently watching their 
movements. The company immediately retraced their steps, and en- 
deavored to regain the Crow country, where the natives were friendly 
and the feudal enemies of the Blackfeet. The last-named Indians, on dis- 
covering their intention, gathered themselves into a formidable body of 
more than a thousand warriors, and early one morning attacked the party, 
amid deafening yells, as they were passing along the base of a small moun- 
tain skirting the Yellowstone. To have yielded to their enemies would 
have subjected them to captivity, then torture, and finally death. Resist- 
ance, though against such fearful odds, was the only alternative, and the 
party had previously made up their minds to defend themselves to the 
last extremity to save their scalp-locks from the clutch of the savage. In 
the murderous attack the two leaders of the expedition, Immcll and Jones, 
fell early in the engagement, and then the command devolved upon Mr. 
Keemle, who ordered the men to fight while retreating from ravine to 
ravine, and after a conflict of eight hours succeeded in driving off their 
enemies, who had hung upon their path howling and yelling like so many 
demons — with considerable loss. The little party suffered severely, having 
had ten killed, nine wounded, and one was missing. They afterward 
reached a Crow village, and manufacturing some boats, arrived safely at 
the mouth of the Yellowstone. 

Colonel Keemle remained connected with the company until 1825, 
when he returned to St. Louis and associated himself again with the 
printing business, and although he had several lucrative offers made to him 
nothing could tempt him again to the Yellowstone. He was associated 
with five or six newspaper enterprises, none of which had a permanent 
existence; but during their time were the organs of the Democratic party. 

In 1839, Colonel Keemle was married to the only daughter of Thomas P. 
Oliver, now of Illinois, and has a family of three children. He possesses, 
in a high degree, the esteem of his fellow-citizens, and has been offered 
several honorable positions. In 1839 he was nominated for mayor, but 
declined running, and when General Harrison became president, he 
received the first appointment made by him in this state, that of super- 
intendent of Indian affairs for Missouri, In 1840 he received the ap- 
pointment of secretary of the interior, and under General Taylor's 
administration, that of Indian agent for the entire Platte River district, 
both of which he declined. In 1853 he was elected recorder of deeds 
for St. Louis county, which office he still holds. 

Colonel Keemle is one of the most popular men in the city of St. Louis. 
He is in the sixtieth year of his age, but possesses health and vigor 
sufficient to have another bout with the Indians at the mouth of the 
Yellowstone. 



ABRAM S. MITCHELL, 

EDITOR OF THE ST. LOUIS EVENING NEWS. 

The subject of this sketch was born December 1st, 1820, near the city 
of Nashville, Davidson county, Tennessee. His parents were both natives 
of Virginia. His grandfather, Thomas Mitchell, was a merchant in Lynch- 
burgh, Virginia, during the Revolution, and was a man of education and 
fine literary attainments. But his store was plundered by the British, 
and he was reduced to poverty. He next resorted to teaching; but died 
before his own children had derived much benefit from his instruction. 
The family being now quite destitute and helpless, were driven to emi- 
grate to the wilds of Tennessee. There were two sons, Thomas and 
Kobort J., and two or three daughters. After struggling in various ways 
to support himself as he grew up, among others, working at the shoe 
business, Robert J. Mitchell, the father of the subject of this sketch, joined 
the standard of General Jackson, who was raising volunteers for the Indian 
wars, and served under that leader in a campaign against the Creeks, and 
also in one against the Seminoles. Returning to Tennessee, he married, 
commenced farming, and in 1827 removed to the Hatchess River, in West 
Tennessee, and there, in Tipton county, the family still resides. 

Abram S. Mitchell was sent by his father to the schools of the neigh- 
borhood, but he soon exhausted the little that the schools in that new coun- 
try could impart, but was fortunate enough to meet at that time with an 
excellent teacher in the person of the Rev. James Holmes, who had formerly 
been a missionary among the Indians, and who earnestly advised him, 
when he could make circumstances suit, to complete his education at 
college. During intermissions of school, he sought work to aid in his 
own support. He applied for work unsuccessfully in a brickyard, where 
he was rejected for want of strength, and was afterward employed in tend- 
ing a bark-mill in a tannery. In 1837, just as he was preparing to finish 
his education by a collegiate course, his father became bankrupt by having 
become security for a sheriff, and all of his property was sold to meet his 
bond. However, a few years later, Mr, Robert W. Sandford, a friend of 
the family, feeling an interest in young Mitchell, and appreciating his 
desire for an education, aided him in going to college at Danville, Ken- 
tucky, where he remained only eighteen months, and graduated with full 
honors, having, by dint of application, accomplished in that time what 
usually required a much longer time to perform. He taught school until 
he relieved himself of the debt he incurred in his education (about 
$700), and then studied law in Danville, and established a newspaper 
called the Weekly Kentucky/ Tribune, in connection with Mr. James S. 
Hall. That year he supported the whig candidate for governor, who, 
alter election, before making any other appointment, bestowed upon him 
the ofiice of assistant-secretary of state. 

About this time Mr. Mitchell married Miss Bodley, of Lexington, Ken- 
tucky. After serving the term of his appointment, he and his father-in- 
6 



174 ABRAM S. MITCHELL. 



law, Mr. H. I. Bodley, determined on removing to St. Louis, which they 
did in 1849, the season of the dreadful visitation by the cholera, by which 
he lost his wife and child. This domestic desolation induced him to re- 
turn to Kentucky, where, in a short time, he received an invitation to 
become assistant-editor of the St. Louis Intelligencer, then about to come 
into existence. He accepted the invitation, but did not long remain con- 
nected with the paper. He received an invitation to become editor of 
the Republican Banner at Nashville, Tennessee, which he declined. He 
became land-agent, and then secretary of the Pacific Railroad Company, 
and some time after leaving this appointment, at the instigation of some 
of the most prominent citizens of Missouri, Mr. Mitchell, in connection 
with Charles G. Ramsey, established the Evening News. He is half-owner 
and chief editor of the journal. 

Mr. Mitchell is a vigorous and graceful writer, and his journal has an 
extensive circulation. He was married the second time, in September, 
1851, to Miss Mary Brent Talbot, granddaughter of Governor William 
Owsley, Kentucky, whom he politically supported when he first wielded 
the editorial pen. 



WILLIAM McKEE, 

SENIOR PROPRIETOR OF THE MISSOURI DEMOCRAT. 

William McKee was born in New York city, September 24tli, 1815. 
He is of Irish descent, and his father, after emigrating to this country, 
was successfully engaged for many years in the lumber business. He was 
captain of a vessel, and plied between Maine and the West Indies, carry- 
ing lumber from Bangor to Jamaica. 

Captain McKee enjoyed the good-will of all who knew him, and had 
the confidence which years of integrity in business relations always es- 
tablish. 

William McKee had fair opportunities of education ; for, after finish- 
ing the programme of common-school education, he was sent to the 
Lafayette Academy, where he remained for some time prosecuting his 
studies; and, at the age of fifteen, entered as clerk in the office of Major 
Noah, who was at that time the editor of the New York Courier and 
Enquirer. Some time afterward, when Major Noah sold out to J. Wat- 
son Webb, Mr. McKee still retained his place under the new proprietor, 
and remained altogether in the office for five years. At the expiration of 
that time. Major Noah, having a high opinion of his business ability, 
offered him a desirable situation in the office of the Evening Star, which 
he accepted, and remained in that connection till 1841, when, wishing to 
be a sharer in the advantages which the Western country offered to as- 
piring spirits, he emigrated to St. Louis. 

William McKee enjoyed rare advantages of accomplishing himself in 
the art of newspaper publication, being so long in the office of Major 
Noah, one of the oldest editors, and one of the most finished scholars of 
the day ; and on his advent in St. Louis, he determined to turn his 
knowledge, gained under such auspices, to some account, and purchased 
an interest in the Evening Gazette, in connection with Mr. Ruth. He re- 
mained part proprietor of that paper for two years, and then, disposing 
of his interest, commenced the job-printing business. 

At that time, the political doctrines of the Hunker and Barnburner 
factions, originating in the empire state, commenced to spread over the 
whole Union, each party having its advocates. Mr. McKee was a sup- 
porter of the Free-soil doctrine, and started a campaign sheet called "The 
Barnburner'''' — the first Free-soil paper that commenced its career in the 
slaveholding state of Missouri. He then, in conjunction with William 
Hill, commenced the publication of the Signal in 1850, advocating the 
same political principles ; and then, having purchased the Union, the 
proprietors merged the two papers into a new existence — and the present 
Missouri Democrat came into being. 

It required all the enterprise, the hopeful faith, and energy for which 
Mr. McKee is so remarkable, to make a paper advocating Free-soil doc- 
trines sticcessful in Missouri ; yet he accomplished the difficult feat. He 



176 GEORGE W. FISHBACK. 

purchased afterward the interest of his partner, and, after being some 
time sole proprietor of the paper, he took into partnership Mr. George 
W. Fishback, son of Judge Fishback, of Ohio, a gentleman of good attain- 
ments, and a fluent and graceful writer. Mr. McKee is still the senior 
proprietor of the Democrat. 

July 18th, 1855, Mr. McKee was married to Miss Eliza Hill, daughter 
of Samuel Hill, of New York. That he exerts a remarkable influence 
over the current events of his time, is evinced from the fact that the jour- 
nal under his control is the organ of the Free-soil party in St. Louis, and, 
it may be said, of the whole state. He has hosts of warm friends, and 
the business relations of nearly twenty years' residence in St. Louis have 
given him the entire and deserved confidence of the community. 



GEORGE W. FISHBACK, 

JOINT PROPRIETOR OF THE MISSOURI DEMOCRAT, AND ITS COMMERCIAL 

EDITOR. 

The subject of this memoir is a native of the old Buckeye state, and 
was born in the little town of Batavia, Clermont county, Ohio, in Decem- 
ber 3d, 1828. His father was a Virginian, who emigrated at an early 
day to the southern portion of Ohio, when it was almost a wild, and com- 
menced the practice of the law, which he pursued very successfully for 
thirty-five years, at one time being one of the judges of the Court of 
Common Pleas. 

George W. Fishback, being intended by liis father for the law, had all 
the preparatory education so essential for the proper qualification of that 
profession. He was educated at College Hill, Ohio, and graduated at that 
institution. Being anxious to seek his fortunes in another sphere, he 
emigrated to St. Louis, and, disliking the monotony of a lawyer's life, he 
commenced the still more laborious life of a journalist, and connected 
himself with the Missouri Democrat as commercial editor, and soon after 
became joint-proprietor. 

Mr. Fishback is devoted to his profession, and writes readily on the cur- 
rent events of the day, and his contributions can readily be known by 
the rich humorous vein in which he frequently indulges. He is still 
youthful, but exercises a wide and deserving influence in the home of his 
adoption. 



THE ST. LOUIS PKESS. 177 



HISTORY OF THE VARIOUS JOURNALS THAT HAVE BEEN 
PUBLISHED IN ST. LOUIS. 

Of all ventures in the business world, the publishing of a newspaper is 
the most precarious. It is far more hazardous and uncertain than com- 
mercial pursuits; is attended with toil that knows no cessation; and is 
daily liable to anathemas, which, if coming from holy lips, would consign 
it to eternal perdition ; yet, in despite of this certain destruction of 
worldly hopes, which awaits the adventurer in a newspaper enterprise, there 
is some mystical fascination which causes thousands to venture upon its 
dangerous current, where they rarely escape the fate that awaited the 
mariners of yore when navigating the seas containing the fatal rock and 
eddying whirlpool. 

It will be of interest to the reader, and a necessary portion of the his- 
tory of St. Louis, without which it would be incomplete, to give a succinct 
account of the different newspapers that have had their existence in our 
city, and played their different parts in the political and literary drama of 
St. Louis existence. We will lift the curtain which has fallen, and once 
more look upon the parts which they played. We will not touch upon 
those again whose history we have before given. 

The second newspaper was established by Joshua Norvell, in 1816, and 
was called The Western Journal. It was, soon after its birth, purchased 
by Sergeant Hall, who changed its name to that of the Emigrant and 
General Advertiser, a weekly sheet, which at first was somewhat popular, 
but, commencing to decline, it was sold to Isaac N. Henry, Colonel Thomas 
H. Benton, and Mr. Maury, and the name was changed to that of the 
St. Louis Enquirer, which, from the very first, became strongly partisan, 
advocating the Democratic political creed. It had an existence at the 
time when the question was mooted in what manner Missouri should be 
admitted into the Union — whether as a slave or free state. Colonel 
Benton, the editor in chief of the Enquirer, advocated the slave measure, 
and a pro-slavery constitution was adopted in 1820, when Missouri was 
admitted into the Union. A little while after this, the paper changed 
hands. Colonel Benton having been elected United States senator, and 
Mr. Henry having died, the remaining partner, Mr. Maury, disposed of 
the Enquirer to Patrick H. Ford, who, in 1823, sold it to General Duff 
Green, who was afterward the editor of the United States Telegraph at 
Washington, a democratic organ. He edited the paper until 1825, 
when he sold it to Charles Keemle and S. W. Foreman ; and on the early 
dissolution of that copartnership in 1826, the Enquirer was sold to Luke 
E. Lawless, at that time a lawyer of high standing, and as a politician a 
stanch supporter of Colonel Benton. The paper, during the short period 
he held it, was edited with much ability. He became a jurist of much 
ability. In 1827, Charles Keemle, one of its old proprietors, again pur- 
chased the Enqtiirer, in conjunction with William Orr, and changed its 
name to the St. Louis Beacon, which name it continued to bear until 
1832, when it died. It was always a weekly sheet, and Democratic 
through all its changes. During certain periods of its existence it exer- 
cised a very important political influence. 



178 THE ST. LOUIS PRESS. 



In 1820, The Herald was established by Messrs. Orr & Fleming, which 
had but a temporary existence. 

In 1827, The St. Louis Tiynes, a Democratic journal, was brought into 
being by Messrs. Stine tfc Miller, and edited by S. W. Foreman. Though 
Democratic, it was anti-Benton, and rabidly opposed, without etieot, the 
re-election of Colonel Benton to tlie senate. It afterward passed into 
the hands of Miller cfe Lovejoy, and then was conducted by Miller, Murray 
& Richards. It had some hopes at one period of its existence, but, from 
the want of popular support, soon became involved in pecuniary ditK- 
culties, and tinally, in 1832, was sold under legal process, and the fixtures 
purchased by Colonel Charles Keemle. The journal was sutlered to ex- 
pire. AVhen under Miller & Lovejoy, the paper was tinged with aboli- 
tionism. 

In 1831, a paper was started by James H. Birch. 

During 1831, The ]Vo)-k-i>i<pna)i\^ Advocate was started by Mr. Steel, 
■which strongly advocated the principles of the Democratic party, and, 
being bought out by James B. Bowlin ik Mayfield, was changed to the 
St. Louis Aiyus. It was at this time very ably edited, advocating the 
cause of Democracy, and received considerable patronage. It was then 
transferred to Mansfield, Lawhead & Corbin. It coJitinued under these 
last proprietors but a short time, with deserved popularity, and then 
came into the possession, successively, of Thomas Watson, Davis, and 
Colonel Gilpin. It was then purchased by S. Penn, a gentleman from 
Louisville, and an experienced and able journalist, who changed the title 
of the paper to that of the Missouri Reporter, and Samuel Treat was 
joined with him in the editorship — the Reporter becoming the organ of 
the Democratic party. After the death of Mr. Penn, it came into the 
possession of L. Pickering, when it underwent another change in name, 
being called The Union. It remained a short time in his piossession, and 
was transferred to K. Phillips, who, finding it in a languishing state, sold 
it to "William McKee, the publisher of the Signal, a freesoil sheet, and the 
Union and Signal were merged in a new name — the present Missouri 
Democrat. 

In 1834, The Commercial Bulletin came into existence, under the 
conduct of Colonel Charles Keemle, William P. Clark, and S. B. Church- 
ill. It then passed into the hands of William Clark, and shortly after 
was owned by Churchill k Ramsey, when it became Whig ; and then 
afterward, being purchased by V. 1*. Ellis, it again changed its politics, 
and became the organ of a new political creed — "The Native Atnerican 
party,'' whose principles at that time were being promulgated in St. 
Louis. For a time, the new doctrines of political worship gained many 
advocates, and the paper flourished in the sunshine of popular favor; but 
soon the plausibility and novelty of the doctrines ceased to attract and 
delude, and the paper had but few readers. It was then purchased by 
Cady and Oliver Harris, and soon died for want of popular support. 

There were some other journals that had so transient an existence that 
we shall not enter into any minute details concerning them — The St. 
Louis Pennant, a literary paper, established by G. G. Foster and Thomas 
Watson. The Eveninq' Gazette was established in 1838, by David B. 
Holbrook <k G. S. Allen ; and was edited by William S. Allen. In 1841, 
P. A.Gould purchased Allen's interest, and the firm was titled Holbrook 



THE ST. LOUIS PEE8S. VlQ 



k Gould. In 1842, the Gazette was sold to Henry Singleton, and in 
1843, was purchased by McKee <fe Ruth, and edited by Edmond Flagg. 
It was then sold in 1847 to Lord, and then died. The Mirror, estab- 
lished by Ruggles. 

In 1837, The Saturday News was brought into being by Colonel 
Charles Keemle and Major Alphonso Wetmore, both gentlemen having 
large editorial experience, and the latter was justly celebrated for his 
literary attainments. The journal was purely a literary one, but it did 
not succeed according to its deserts. Colonel Keemle retired from it a 
short time after its birth, and it was continued by Major Wetmore, and 
then died. 

In 1841, The People's Organ was established by Higgens, and then 
sold out to Anderson in Staley ; Staley sold out to Edmond Flagg, and 
the firm became titled, Anderson <fe Flagg ; Flagg then retired, and it was 
finally conducted by Anderson alone. Its existence was short. 

In 1845, the Reveille, a literary paper of undoubted merit, was founded 
by Colonel Keemle, Matt, and Jos. AL Field ; few journals were better 
conducted, and during its existence it was a weekly welcome to every 
family of cultivated taste. In 1850, it was sold to Anderson h Com- 
pany, proprietors of the PeopWs Organ, and blended with that paper. 

In 184G, Ttte Native American was started by V. Ellis, and had a 
fine run for a time, but it soon found how uncertain is p'opular favor, and 
finally died through neglect. 

In 1848, The Nevi Era was established by Pascball & Ramsey, and at 
once occupied a large share of public patronage. Its forte was its com- 
mercial superiority, and in politics it was Whig. It was sold to Thomas 
Yeatman and J. B. Crocket, and changed to the Intelligencer, and after- 
ward passed into the hands of George K. Budd, and then was purchased 
by A. S. Mitchell & Co., the proprietors of the Evening News, and blended 
with that paper, which is still in existence. 

We will now select the number of the editorial fraternity, which have 
been coupled with the foregoing pages, who are yet alive, and who have 
become worthy of mention, from the prominent position which they 
occupy. 

Charles Keemle is the oldest newspaper publisher and printer, west of 
the Mississippi, and is now the efficient recorder of the county of St. 
Louis. James H. Birch resides in Clinton county; was one of the judges 
of the Supreme Court of the state, and then register of the land-oflBce. 
James B. Bowlin was for a long time judge of the Criminal Court for St. 
Louis district, and minister to Paraguay. A. R. Corbin was clerk of Com- 
mittee of Private Land Claims at Washington, and such was his fitness 
for the office, and the influence of his personal worth, that he remained its 
incumbent for more than fifteen years, undisturbed by any administrations, 
though advocating political tenets at variance with his own, Samuel Treat 
is now an able jurist, presiding over the Circuit Court of the district of 
St. Louis. Josiah Anderson is the present proprietor of the St. Louis 
Price Current. Charles G. Ramsey and A. S. Mitchell are now the pro- 
prietors of the Evening News. William McKee is senior proprietor of the 
Missouri Democrat, and Nathaniel Pascball is one of the proprietors and 
editor-in-chief of the Missouri Republican, the oldest sheet in the state. 
Pascball is the oldest editor with the harness on in the Western country. 



180 THE ST. LOUIS PKE88. 



William Allen has been register of the land-oflSce. He was secretary of 
the Territory of New Mexico, in 1851, judge of County Court, in 1856, 
member of the Missouri legislature, in 1850-51, and is now associate 
editor of the Missotiri Republican. 

It will excite no envy, and be a just tribute to departed worth, if we 
say a few words concerning the literary abilities of the late Joseph M. 
Field, one of the editors of the Reveille. He was connected a long time 
with the New Orleans Picayune, and wrote under the nom de j^lume of 
"Straws." His productions under that signature were quoted exten- 
sively by the journals of the country, and his name became famous in 
literary annals. As a poet, he well could lay claim to that consciousness 
of inspiration uttered by one of the Roman bards — '■'■ Deus est in nobis.^^ 
He was the author of several plays, became an actor of acknowledged 
merit, and Avas the first manager of the "Varieties Theatre" of our city. 
His high literary merit and warm social qualities are still interwoven 
with the pleasing reminiscences of the past in the memory of many 
of the inhabitants. His brother, M. C. Field, also deceased, is deserving 
of the same tribute, and was well known in St. Louis as a sparkling and 
classical writer. 



THE ST. LOUIS PEESS. 181 



RELIGIOUS NEWSPAPERS IN ST. LOUIS. 

[We are indebted to the Rev. John Hogan, of St. Louis, for the follow- 
ing history of the religious newspapers that have been and are published 
in St. Louis.] 

The first religious newspaper published in St. Louis, according to my 
recollection, was The St. Lnuis Observer, Rev. E. P. Lovejoy, editor. It 
was started, I think, in 1833, and was the organ of the Presbyterian 
Church. Some time after its commencement, there were many and very 
strong articles in favor of " abolitionism" published in the paper, which 
very much incensed the community, and the consequence was, the press 
and office were destroyed, and Mr. Lovejoy removed to Alton, where he 
published the Alton Observer. 

The next paper (religious, I mean) started here — I think, in 1834, 
or 1835, as the organ of the Catholic Church — was The Shepherd of the 
Valley. I do not now recollect who was the editor, nor yet when the 
paper ceased to exist. 

In 1839, I think, another Catholic paper was started here, by Mr. 
Thomas Mullen. My impression is, its title was The Catholic Banner. I 
am not able to state how long this paper was continued. 

In July, 1844, Rev. H. Chamberlin started a paper, mainly in the in- 
terest of the Presbyterian Church, denominated The Herald of Religious 
Liberty. Do not know how long it continued. 

In August, 1851, The St. Louis Christian Advocate, Rev. D. R. McAn- 
ally, editor, was started into being, and still exists, as the organ of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, South, for Missouri and Kansas. 

In 1844, or 1845, Rev. J. T. Ilinton, D. D., commenced here the pub- 
lication of a paper called The Missouri Baptist, which was the avowed organ 
of the Baptist denomination in this and the surrounding states ; but I am 
not now prepared to say how long it was published. 

The Western Watchman, in the interest of the same denomination 
(Baptist), and which was commenced about 1848, by Rev. T. W. Lynd, 
D. D., as editor, most probably succeeded to the former, and only changed 
the title. Still continued. 

In 1851, Mr. R. A. Bakewell started The Shepherd of the Valley, as 
organ of the Catholic Church ; it existed some three years. 

In 1852, The St. Louis Presbyterian, as the organ of the Presbyterian 
Church, was commenced by the Rev. E. Thompson Baird, as editor, and 
is still published, although the editor has been changed. 

The Cumberland Presbyterian was commenced to be published here, I 
think, in 1852, as the organ of that denomination, by Rev. J. B. Logan, 
editor. 

In the fall of 1853, I think. Rev. D. W. R. Trotter commenced here 
the publication of a paper called The Central Christian Advocate, as the 
organ of the Methodist Episcopal Church for Missouri, southern Illinois, 



182 THE ST. LOUIS PKESS. 



Iowa, etc. This paper, after various vicissitudes, was finally adopted as a 
general Conference paper, and in 1856, or 185 7, passed into the editorial 
charge of He v. James Brooks, and is still published. 

In 1855, I think it was, J. V.Huntington, LL. D., commenced the pub- 
lication of another Catholic paper, in place of The Shepherd of the Valley, 
called The Leader. This paper only continued as a religious paper about 
a year, when it became a political paper under the same name, and subse- 
quently ceased. 

In Jnly, 1858, the Observer took the place and patronage of The Cum- 
berland Presbyterian, and was edited by Rev. Mr. Bird, who has now 
oiven place to Mr. A. F. Cox, who is editor and publisher. 

In 1859, The Western Banner, organ of the Catholic Church, was com- 
menced by Mr. B. D. Killian, and is still continued. 

In 1860, another paper was started, called The Missouri Baptist, but I 
do not know who its editor is, nor yet what particular church it is to be 
the organ of. 

The Herald and Ura, as the organ of the .IJniversalist Church. I do 
not recollect when the publication of this paper commenced liere. Mr. 
Libby was, I think, connected with its origin, but I have not been able 
to see him, to get tlie date. I believe it is now published simultaneously 
here and at Indianapolis, Indiana. 

The above is, I believe, a pretty full history of the religious newspapers 
that have been and are published' here in the English language. Mr. A. 
F. Cox publishes here a quarterly, which is the organ of the Cumberland 
Presbyterian Church, and is as yet, I think, alone in that species of relig- 
ious publication. 

I deem it proper to add the publications in the German language here, 
of relio-ious newspapers, and have purposely kept them by themselves. 

The Lutheran, organ of that denomination, was commenced here in 
1844, by Rev. F. W. Walter, and is still continued under the same edi- 
torial charge. 

The Gott^s Freund (in English, God's Friend) was commenced in 1852, 
by Mr. Besel, editor, and is still continued. It is, I believe, a Protestant 
publication, but I do not know to what denomination it belongs, 

Herald cles Glaubins (in English, Herald of Faith), under the auspices 
of the Catholic Church, was commenced in 1852, under the editorial 
charge of Rev. Mr. Vincent, and is still continued. 

I)er Frieadensbote (in English, Messenger of Peace), a Protestant pub- 
lication, under the auspices of the Evangelical Churches, was commenced 
here in 1849, by Rev. Mr. Wuil, and is still continued as a publication, 
but has recently been removed to Marthasvilie, Missouri. 

Another publication in German, denominated the Protestant, has re- 
cently been commenced here. I do not know who the editor is. 

There is also published here a paper called The Icariun, of which I 
know nothing. 




JAMES H. LUCAS, ESQ. 

(p. 183.) 

ENGRAVKD KXPRESSI.T FOR THIS WORK FROM A PIIOTOORAPIl BY BROWN, 



BIOGRAPHIES. 



Biography is the most important feature of history ; for the record 
of the lives of individuals appears to be invested with more vitality and 
interest than the dry details of general historical narrative. In biography 
the attention is not distracted by a multiplicity of leading and discon- 
nected events, but every incident that is related serves to illustrate the 
character of some eminent person, and is another light by which we can 
see more clearly the elements which form their being. 

The gentlemen whose biographies make so large a portion of this work 
have not been selected on account of their wealth, their social position, 
or their particular avocation, but from other and more worthy motives. 
In the number are embraced all of the professions, and most of the other 
callings of life, and they find a place in this book from the circumstance 
that they excel in their respective vocations, are men of sterling virtue, 
and in their efforts to establish position and fortune, they have given 
wealth, stamina, and character to the city of St. Louis. We have no 
favorites to support, no political or sectarian interest to advance, but in 
choosing the subjects of these biographies have been guided by a sense 
of duty, and a wish to pay some tribute to well-deserved merit. 



JAMES H. LUCAS. 

James H. Lucas can boast of an old line of French ancestry who 
were conspicuous both for their virtues and their talents. His father, 
John B. C. Lucas, was born in the province of Normandy, France, and 
graduated with distinction at the University of Caen, and received the 
honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. Immediately after the Revolution, he 
came to the United States, bringing with him flattering credentials from 
Dr. Franklin, who represented the United States at Paris, to some of the 
most distinguished citizens of Philadelphia. 

Wishing to remove farther west, Mr. Lucas went to Pittsburgh, and 
talents and integrity being in demand, he was appointed Judge of the 
District Court, and soon afterward was elected member of Congress. 
This was in the year 1800; and the same year, on the 12th of Novem- 
ber, the subject of this memoir was born. 

After representing Allegheny county, in the state of Pennsylvania, 
with honor in the national Congress, Judge Lucas, in 1805, removed to 
the city of St. Louis, having previously visited it in 1792, and became 
at once convinced of its future greatness. The state of Missouri was 
at that time a territory, and was termed the Territory of Louisiana, and 
Judge Lucas was appointed by Thomas Jefferson one of the Judges of the 
Territory, and Land Commissioner, and these appointments were renewed 



186 JAMES H. LUCAS. 



by the two subsequent presidents, Madison and Monroe, who were satis- 
fied with his honorable administration. He kept this responsible position 
until eighteen hundred and twenty, when Missouri was admitted a state 
into the confederacy. 

Judge Lucas was blessed with a numerous family, and in 1811 lost 
his estimable wife, whose virtues had endeared her to a large circle of 
friends. One of his sons, Robert Lucas, was an officer in the United 
States army, and died in 1813, on the Canada frontier. Charles Lucas, 
who was United States Attorney in the state of Missouri, was killed in 
a duel with Col. Thomas H. Benton. Adrian was a planter, and died 
in 1804, William Lucas died in 1837 ; and Judge Lucas, the father, after 
being appointed, by the younger Adams, Judge of Land Claims in Flor- 
ida, died August, loth 1843. Of all the numerous family, there is only 
living at this time, James H. Lucas, the subject of this biography, and 
Mrs. Hunt, his sister, who is well known to the citizens of St. Louis for 
her many charitable donations. The early days of James H. Lucas were 
spent upon a farm, and it is probable that he owes to that circumstance 
much of that exuberance of health which he has always enjoyed. His 
lather, who was highly educated, directly the physical system of James had 
become strong by wholesome exercise on the farm, sent him to school, 
and finally to Jefferson College in Pennsylvania, where he remained three 
years ; and then to St. Charles College in Kentucky, at which he staid 
eighteen months. After completing his education, James H. Lucas, de- 
sirous of still farther pursuing his studies, resolved to teach school, at 
which he could, at the same time, earn a livelihood. He commenced the 
profession of teacher in the town of Hudson, state of New York, but 
did not long remain in that honorable and useful avocation. In that city 
he commenced the study of law under Judge Talmadge and J. B. Dexter. 
He, however, did not like the East, and soon returned to his home in St. 
Louis, and then removed to the territory of Arkansas, where he con- 
tinued teaching school and reading law," till 1821, when he was ad- 
mitted to the privileges of an attorney. 

May 10th, 1832, Mr. Lucas married Miss Mary E. Desruisseaux, the 
daughter of one of the earliest settlers of Arkansas, who had removed 
from the town of Cahokia of Illinois ; and from the time of his marriage 
until the year 1837, he devoted his attention to farming, and was very 
successful in the pursuit, having a very extensive and fertile tract of 
land. On the death of William Lucas, his brother, in 1837, Judge Lucas, 
his father, wrote him word to come and settle in St. Louis, as he was 
the only son that was living, and he was anxious that he should be near 
him. He then, according to the Avishes of his father, removed to St. 
Louis, where he remained until the dissolution of his surviving parent in 
1843. 
. Mr. Lucas has always been opposed to the turbulent life of politics, 
but was drawn by the persuasion of his friends upon the political 
arena, and in 1844 he was elected to the state Senate of Missouri, where 
he served four years with honor to himself and usefulness to the state ; 
during this time was enacted the well-known Lucas law, which much sim- 
plified the confused process incident to land claims. After his term of 
service had expired, he retired from political life, and has been sedulously 
enaasred since that time in attendinof to the lar<re business connected 



JAMES H. LUCAS. 187 



with his immense property, and in various ways has been identified with 
the progressive advance of St. Louis. He was the early friend of the 
railroads in Missouri, and in every available manner advocated their 
utility, and assisted in their completion, while many old fogies laughed 
at the idea of any thing better for the country than the turnpike and the 
wagon. So as to give force to his advocacy to internal improvements, 
he was the first to subscribe to the stock in the large sum of $33,000, and 
this generous commencement by one whose business foresight was almost 
infallible, quickly made railroad stock a hobby, and the digging for the 
roads soon commenced. 

Mr. Lucas projected and built Lucas Market, and laid out that hand- 
some portion of the city known as Lucas Place, and which has become 
the most recherche neighborhood in the city of St. Louis. 

All corporations, in the election of their officers, are always careful to 
install those who have the character and influence to control the respect 
of public opinion ; and Mr. Lucas was appointed the President of the 
Pacific Railroad Company, and by his moral worth and known wealth, 
and above all by his business capacity, did much for its advancement. 
After filling that responsible position for some time, he resigned his 
office, and started on a European tour. On his return to St. Louis, he 
was solicited to fill many responsible positions, and became director and 
an extensive stockholder in many of the various moneyed institutions of 
the city. 

In 1851, Mr. Lucas established his banking-house, which had a branch 
both in New York and San Francisco, and such was the universal 
confidence that the public had in the institution of which he was the 
head, that at one time his bank in St. Louis alone contained deposits to 
the enormous amount of more than two and a half millions of dollars. 
After some little time, Mr. Lucas discontinued his house in San Fran- 
cisco. 

In the great financial panic in 1857, Mr. Lucas, with every other bank 
in St. Louis, had to yield to the unnatural convulsion of affairs, and for 
a short time suspended payment, and it shows how boundless was the 
terror of the community, from their being guilty of the folly of running 
upon a bank whose proprietor was worth millions of dollars in real estate 
in the city of St. Louis. However, Mr. Lucas gave his notes to his 
creditors, and in a little while his boundless resources becoming available, 
he was anxious to pay off all demands, but to this day many of his notes 
are carefully kept in the drawers of thriving citizens, who prefer them 
to any mortgage on fee-simple property in the city. Mr. Lucas has had 
a large family of children, eight of whom are now living. One of his 
daughters married Dr. J. B. Johnson, an eminent physician of the city. 

The business habits for which he was always remarkable Mr. Lucas 
still adheres to, and can be found constantly at his counting-room, ac- 
tively engaged in the details of affairs, naturally arising from his immense 
possessions, and is courteous and unassuming at all times, and to every 
one who makes a demand upon his valuable time. Wherever he goes in 
the city of St. Louis, he can see in the splendid buildings which he has 
erected monuments of his taste and industry, and when he dies, and the 
turf is green above his " narrow house," Lucas Market and Lucas Place 
will hand his name to posterity. 



ROBERT A. BARNES, 

PRESIDENT OF THE BANK OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI. 

Robert A. Barnes was born November 29, 1808, in the city of 
Washington, District of Columbia. He is descended from an old Eng- 
lish family of great antiquity, who emigrated from the county of Norfolk 
as early as 1662, and settled near Port Tobacco, the county seat of 
Charles county, state of Maryland. There is still in England a large 
family bearing that name. 

Mr. Barnes was designed by his parents for commercial pursuits, and 
after receiving a good English education, he was sent to his uncle in the 
city of Louisville, Kentucky, who instilled into him that business educa- 
tion, and those business principles which have so contributed toward his 
success in life, and won the respect of the community. He remained in 
Louisville from 1822 till 1830, and then came to St. Louis, which he 
believed, from the position she occupied, must eventually become the great 
emporium of the West, and one of the most important cities in the Union. 

Mr. Barnes was thrown early in life upon his own resources. He could 
hope for nothing unless through his own exertions. Even if his inclina- 
tion had not led him to form habits of industry, economy, and manage- 
ment, necessity would have compelled him. On his arrival at St. Louis, 
the first position he filled was that of clerk in the house of Messrs. 
Sproule & Buchanan, who were engaged in the general merchant business. 
After leaving them, he entered the house of Messrs. Vairin & Riel, 
After leaving the employ of the last-mentioned firm, Mr. Barnes having 
gathered some little money, commenced business on his own account, and 
was at one time connected with Captain John C. Swan. He has been 
gradually growing since that period in his business relations, until he now 
owns one of the most extensive wholesale groceries in the city, and has 
amassed a considerable fortune, in no other manner than ft'om the legiti- 
mate profits of his business. 

In January, 1845, Mr. Barnes was married to Miss Louise De Mun, of 
St. Louis. He has held the position of director in the Bank of the State 
of Missouri for nineteen years, and so highly is he esteemed for his integ- 
rity, his business and financial qualifications, that he has recently been 
elected president of this most extensive banking institution in the state. 




ROBERT A. BARNES, ESQ. 

(p. ls9.> 

ENGRAVED EXPRESSLY FOR THIS WORK I ROM A HHUTOURAHII BY liROWJi. 




LOUIS A BENOIST, ESQ. 

(v.m.) 

li^GKAVED EXPRESSLY FOR THIS WORK FROM A PHOTOGRAPH BY BBOWX 



LOUIS A. BENOIST. 

Louis A. Benoist is one of tlie few citizens of St. Louis who can 
boast of having first seen the light in its precincts. He was born in St. 
Louis August 13, 1803. His father, Frangois M. Benoist, was a native of 
Montreal, Canada, and his mother, who is still living, is daughter of 
Charles Sanguinette, who came to St. Louis at the early day when the 
French surrendered Fort de Chartres to the English, according to the 
terms of the treaty of 1763.* Fran9ois M. Benoist, according to the cus- 
toms of most of the early French, was a trader with the Indians, and 
removed from Canada to St. Louis in 1790, so as to carry on the peltry 
trade with the numerous tribes Avho inhabited the banks of the Missouri 
and Mississippi rivers. 

Louis A. Benoist received from his father all the opportunities of edu- 
cation which the new settlement at that time afforded. He went to 
school to Judge Tompkins, one of the territorial judges, who kept for a 
shori period a school, and at the age of fourteen went to St. Thomas 
College, Kentucky, kept by a Dominican priest, where he remained for 
two years, and returning to St. Louis, he commenced reading medicine 
under the instruction of Dr. Todson. After a trial of two years, medicine 
not being agreeable to his taste, he commenced the study of law in the 
ofiice of Horatio Cozens. 

There was a good deal of conveyancing done at that period in St. Louis, 
and Louis A. Benoist got employment in the oflBce of Pierre Provenchere, 
a conveyancer of some note, which furnished him the means of continu- 
ing his legal studies. In 1823, he went to Europe to look after an estate 
belonging to his parents, and fully accomplished his object ; but on his 
return voyage, was wrecked in the Bay of Biscay. After some suffering 
and much detention, he finally reached St. Louis, when he commenced 
to buy and sell real estate, loan money, etc. He pursued this business 
for a short time, and in 1832 opened an exchange oflBce, in which, in 
connection with the banking business, he vended lottery tickets, at that 
time a favorite mode with all classes of trying the fitful favors of fortune. 
This was the first banking-house established in St. Louis, and that very 
spot where he first opened, though in a different building, Mr. Benoist 
still carries on the banking business. 

In 1838, the business of Mr. Benoist had increased to such an extent, 
that he deemed it practicable to establish a branch house in New Orleans, 
which he did under the firm of Benoist & Ilackny, and which is the 
large banking-house now known in the Crescent city as Benoist, Shaw 
& Co. In 1842, there was a tight pressure in the money-market, and 
the banking-house in St. Louis was forced to suspend, though in one 
month after, its doors were thrown open, and ten per cent, was paid on 
all liabilities. The branch bank in New Orleans did not suspend. 

Mr. Benoist may truly be said to be one of the favorite sons of fortune. 
The moment that he commenced the great battle of life his course has 

* Mr. Benoist is recently deceased. 



;19j. LOmS A. BEN0I8T. 



been onward. Whatever lie has touched has prospered, and he is now 
numbered among the most wealthy citizens of St. Louis 

Durincr the great panic of 1857, the banking-house of Benoist & Com- 
pany outrode the storm, which compelled almost every private banker 
and corporate banking institution in the Union to juccumb for a whUe 
to the force of circumstances. It did not suspend, nor did the one m 

^Mr!^Bcnoi;t, as has been seen, was not born to affluence, but began 
from an hunib e commencement, and owes alone to his efforts and indus- 
ry h s present position and fortune. What he has done can be done 
ailin if the same method be used for its accomplishment. Any young 
inan who will copy his perseverance, economy, and industry, and ike 
him be sedulous in preserving his reputation and credit, must attain 
affluence and reach a respectable position. Who properly sows in spr ng 
must reap a harvest, and he who in youth commences life with he 
practice of temperance, industry, and economy, must gather bountifully 
of the fruit they naturally produce. 

Mr. Benoist has been three times married, and ^^^^^^^^^ seventeen 
children ten of whom are living. His first wife was Miss Barton of 
Saskia his second. Miss Hacfny, of Pennsylvania ; and the^t^^^^^^^ 
Sarah E. Wilson, daughter of John Wilson, of New Jersey. In 1851, he 
took wfti him on a European tour his eldest son, Sanguinette H. Be-ist 
It was during the World's Fair at London, when the English capital was 
thi'nged wifh strangers. Born in St. Lou s, Mr. benoist has witnessed 
all thf wonderful changes in his native city since his boyhood. H^ ^ S 
hs manhood, all of his business relations, have been identified with 
St^ Lour-he is one of the old landmarks, and no one better than he is 
known and appreciated. 




COLONEL JOSHUA B. BRANT. 

<],. 195.) 
KNGRAVKD EXPRESSLY KOK THIS WORK FROM A I'noTIXiRAPII BY liRDWN. 



COLONEL JOSHUA B. BRANT. 

Colonel Joshua B. Brant was born April 8th, 1790, in the town of 
Hampshire, Hampton county, Massachusetts. His father, John Brant, 
WHS a gallant soldier in the trying times of the Revohition, and lis'ed to 
the remarkable age of ninety-nine years and three months, dying in the 
year 1852. His mother's maiden name was Bosworth, of a large and 
respectable family of that name who still reside in Massachusetts. 

The early days of young Joshua Brant were passed in the healthful exer- 
cise of farming avocations, and he ploughed the land and drove oxen till he 
reached eighteen years of age. The schooling that he obtained he re- 
ceived at night, the day being devoted to bodily labor. At the age of 
eighteen, Josliua Brant determined to leave the wholesome trammels of 
parental authority, and try his fortune in the world uncontrolled and 
unguided except through the agency of his own faculties. When he left 
home his capital amounted to thirteen dollars in cash. He went to Troy, 
New York, and engaged hi a drug store, kept by Erastus Corning, for 
twelve dollars per month and board; this gentleman has since become 
President of the New York Central Railroad, and a member of the 
national Congress. 

Wishing to enter upon some occupation where he could advance more 
rapidly in worldly thrift, Joshua B. Brant removed to Dutchess county, 
New York, and in partnership with a Mr. Snyder, commenced the distil- 
ling business, and in a short time amassed the sum of seven hundred 
dollars. When the war of 1812 became known through his neighbor- 
hood, he was busily engaged in the harvest field, cradling Avheat; but 
burning to serve the country, for whose independence his father had 
fought, he left all employment, and prepared himself for the battlefield. 
He joined a detachment of troops at Rhinebeck, commanded by Captain 
H. W. Odell, that were proceeding to rendezvous at Greenbush, where 
he received the appointment of sergeant, February, 12, 181.3, in the 
twenty -third regiment, commanded by Colonel Brown. From Green- 
bush the troops proceeded to Fort George, where there was a hard-fought 
battle ; the vanguard of the American army being led by Colonel Scott, 
now General Scott, and commander-in-chief of the United States army. 
From Fort George the army proceeded to " Forty Mile Creek," where 
another battle was fought, and then retired into winter-quarters at Platts- 
burg. 

During the war of 1812, Joshua B. Brant was in other battles than 
those we have mentioned. He was in the battles of Lundy's Lane, Fort 
George, Salter, and Fort Erie. In July, 1815, he was appointed by General 
Brown ensign of his regiment, which appointment was confirmed by the 
authorities at Washington the subsequent month, and the same year he 
was made second lieutenant, James Madison being president, and James 
Monroe secretary of war. During the intervening years from 1815 to 
1838, he passed thro-ugh all of the progressive stages of military promo- 
tion under Presidents Madison, Monroe, Adams, and Jackson, until he 
7 



198 COLONEL JOSHUA B. BE ANT. 

was appointed by President Van Buren lieutenant-colonel of the United 
States Army, in 1838. 

Colonel Brant came to St. Louis in 182.3, but was engaged in military 
duty until 1839, when he resigned. He took part in the various In- 
dian wars in the West, and was also in Florida. Since 1839 he has de- 
voted himself to his private pursuits, and was the first who had the 
spirit and enterprise to commence the erection of large buildings in St. 
Louis. He has always been a firm friend of his city, and by his individ- 
ual efforts has contributed much to its adornment and prosperity. 

Colonel Brant has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Elizabeth 
Lovejoy, of Stratford, Connecticut, whom he married January, 1818. 
She was the sister-in-law to General Leavenworth, so well known in the 
West. She bore him two children, one of whom is Henry B. Brant, of 
Booneville, Missouri. His second wife, whom he married December 
31st, 1829, was Miss Sarah Benton, daughter of Samnel and Mary Ben- 
ton, and niece of the illustrious statesman and author, Thomas H. Benton, 
who for many years represented the state of Missouri at Washington. 
Two children were the issue of this marriage, and a daughter is married to 
Doctor James McDowell, son of Governor McDowell, of Virginia, who is 
now consul-general at Constantinople. 

Colonel Brant, by his business habits and talents has amassed a large 
fortune; yet, though he has been frugal, he never has been parsimonious 
in his manner of life, and with a liberal hand has dispensed his charities. 
He is a regular attendant at church, and for many years has been a mem- 
ber of the Presbyterian persuasion. Whatever of wealth and social posi- 
tion he has achieved, he owes it all to himself. He has been the archi- 
tect of his own fortune, and his life will illustrate the old maxim, " where 
there is a will there is a way." Without injuring any one he has accom- 
plished much ; and as a soldier, a citizen, and a man, he deserves the 
esteem of posterity. 




C A PTAIN JOHN J. ROE. 

(p. 157.) 

ENGRAVED EXPRESSLY FOR THIS WORK FROM X PHOTOGRAPH BY BROWN. 



CAPTAIN JOHN J. ROE. 

John J. Roe was born April 18tli, 1809, near Buffalo, New York. In 
1815, his father removed to Cincinnati, then to Kentucky, and then to 
Rising Sun, Indiana, where he owned a ferry, and died in 1834. 

After a few years spent in the country school-rooms, John J. Roe as- 
sisted his father in the labor of the farm, and also in the management of 
■ the ferry which he conducted. Two years previous to his father's death 
he went to the city of Cincinnati, and became engaged in various situa- 
tions on steamboats, and was looked upon as one of the most efficient 
boatmen on the Ohio River, a,na on one occasion made a large profit for 
his employer, by acting as supercargo to Jacksonville, Tennessee. 

John J. Roe, by his attention to business, and judgment, soon won the 
confidence and respect of all who knew him ; and he gradually worked 
himself up the ladder of life until he became captain of a steamboat, and 
then owner. He then traded in boats for several years, commanding some 
of the finest that ran on the Ohio River ; and at one time did a very 
lucrative business on Green River, in Kentucky. He built several fine 
boats ; and having amassed a considerable fortune, he retired from busi- 
ness in 1844, and removed to St. Louis. After his removal to St. Louis 
he became largely engaged in the commission business, and the firm of 
Roe & Kercheval, then Hewitt, Roe & Co., then John J Roe «k Co., were 
well known to all the business world of the West. 

The position which Captain Roc has achieved he owes to his own 
efforts ; and to his credit let it be told, that on the demise of his father, 
he was the support for many years of the whole family. In 1837, he 
married Miss Wright, daughter of Thomas Wright, of Cincinnati, and no 
one, more than he, appreciates the quiet enjoyment of domestic happiness. 
His rollicking good humor has made him most popular in the social 
circle, and his known business qualifications have caused him to be elected 
to fill many important functions. He has been a director in the Mer- 
chants' Insurance Company, is a director in the State Saving Institution, 
and President of the United States Insurance Company. By an industry 
that has never wavered, by an integrity that is unimpeached, he has 
gained esteem, position, and wealth, and if the youth of the rising 
generation would go and do likewise, they would in time achieve what 
he has done. One of the finest boats on the river is called by his name. 



GENERAL NATHAN RANNEY. 
I 

General Nathan Ranney was born in Betlilehcin, a little village in 
the state of Connecticut^ on the 27th of April, 1797. Reared in respec- 
table circuiustances, his early li:fe was devoted to the cultivation of his 
mind, and to the inculcation of those business habits which have since 
made hiin so successful in life. 

In 1812, wTien England sent to our shores her veteran armies, just 
victorious over the able marshals of Napoleon in Spain, young Ran- 
ney, then only sixteen years of age, animated by the patriotic fire which 
burned so vividly at that time in American boson)s, enlisted in the army 
contrary to the remonstrance of his friends, and refused to accept of a 
discharge which was procured for him by his paternal uncle, who was a 
colonel in the army ; he had enlisted to fight for his country, and he was 
determined tO' do it. 

This desire of serving his country in battle was soon gratified ; for he 
was one of three hundred, Americans who cut their way through a greatly 
superior British force near Plattsburgh, and was one of the forlorn hope 
who crossed the Saranac river right under the range of a liritish battery 
to a thick underbrush of dry pine, lie was severely wounded in this gal- 
lant exploit; but in a little while after, wishing to distinguish himself by 
an act still more daring, he took twenty choice nu'n, and in the dead 
hour of the night successfully surprised a town in possession of a large 
British force, and carried off three prisoners of rank, without the loss of 
a single man. 

The galiaut bearing of young Ranney soon won for him the respect of 
his commanding officers, and he was (quickly promoted, first as a sergeant, 
and afterward as a provost nuirshal ; and his conduct throughout the 
whole war showed that patriotism alone influenced his services, and not 
a love of military promotion. A few years after leaving the army, desir- 
ous of making for himself a name and fortune, he came to St. Louis in 
1819, and commenced conunereial pnrsuits. 

In the year 1827, two important events occurred in his life, and which 
have greatly administered to his happiness — he married in that year Miss 
Amelia .1. Shackford — and became likewise wedded to the Presbyterian 
church. His nuuriage has been blessed with a large family of children, 
and in the church of which he is such an efficient member, he has 
long been an elder. One of his danghters married Charles Hale, of St. 
Lonis. 

Though born in an Eastern state, and under a cold clime, General Ranney 
is neither a Northern nor a Southern maniac, but a conservative man, and his 
heart is as warm as a summer's sun. In 18.'36, General Ranney was ap- 
pointed by Governor Dunklin, Brigadier-General in the Missouri Militia. 
in 1842, he was President pro teinpore of the Board of Aldermen, and for 
years President of the Board of Pnblic Schools. In 1851, he delivered 
an eloquent address at Burlington, Iowa, declaring himself a Union 
man. In 1855, he addressed tho convention of the soldiers of 1812 at 




<; !•: \ !•: k a l n a t i i a x li a n x !■ v . 

KN(;r.A'. nil rxi'iiiBSi.Y idk tiiih \\<ii::; i i:cim a i-iiinin.uMMi iiv iiiniW'N. 



GENERAL NATHAN EANNEY. 205 

Philadelphia. In 185G, he spoke at a large American meeting in St. 
Louis; and there are very few his equal in a stump speech. In 1857, 
when the financial panic caused the money of other stales to be refused, 
he called a meeting of merchants, and restored confidence in foreign cur- 
rency, and thereby saved many frightened individuals from falling a piey 
to the money slr.irks, who, on such occasions, are always ready to make a 
glorious feast. 

In his militar}' career, General Ranney showed himself ready and fear- 
less in action, patriotic in his aims, and kind and sympathizing as a soldier 
and as an ofHceT. In political life he is never violent, but while he is 
firm and frank in the expression of his principles, he is, at all times, cour- 
teous to all holditig opinions different from his own. In the civil positions 
which he has filled, he has been marked for hk attention, his industry, 
and his clear and discriminating judgment; and any office he holds, he 
never makes it a sinecure, buit hold« it a« a responsible trust, and attends, 
with the most scrupulous exactness, to its minutest details. Asa friend, he 
is confiding and generous; and as a inerchant, his present afiiuence, 
gathered amid the unceitain fluctujttions of commercial life, is an evidence 
of the possession of the requisites adapted to that respectable but preca- 
rious pursuit. 

With the exception <>f Mr. Henry Ven Phul, senior. General Ranney is 
the oldest merchant in St. Louis now living, and the store and warehouse 
of Shackford and Ranney were, for a long time, the only buildings of the 
kind on the levee, consequently, he has been a resident of St. Louis from 
its infancy, and his exertions and example 'have helped its growth and 
assisted its advance. Though upward of threescore years of age, from' 
his regular life he is still hale and vigorous, and is now the cashier and 
general agent of the St. Louis, Cairo, and New Orleans Railroad line of 
steamers, and is always to be found, dunng business hours, giving his at- 
tention to the important position lie knows so well how to fill. He is 
President of the Missouri Bible Society, and in all of the relations of his 
diversified life there is not a stain resting upon his character. 



TIIERON BARNUM. 

Theron Barnum was born April 23d, 1803, in Addison county, Ver- 
mont. His father, Steplien Barnum, was a farmer in humble circum- 
stances, and had the usual blessing of a poor man, a round dozen of chil- 
dren. Ho emigrated from Connecticut, in 1808, to Susquehanna county, 
Pennsylvania, where he continued his agricultural pursuits. Young 
Theron Barnum worked on the farm, and assisted his father until he was 
seventeen years of age, receiving in the mean time the indifferent instruc- 
tion usually atibrded by a country school. Wishing to cultivate his mind, 
and at the same time to earn a livelihood, young Barnum at the age of 
seventeen commenced teaching scliool, which took up six hours a day 
of his time; and so desirous was he for mental improvement, that he 
walked at night the dista-nce of eight miles to a school taught by a pro- 
ficient scholar, where he could receive proper instruction in English gram- 
mar, and the more advanced branches of English education. 

For several years he pursued the vocation of teaching, and finding 
himself then, by his education, qualified to fill with credit almost any 
position, in 1824 he went to Wilkesbarre, and engaged as clerk in a store. 
He staid at that town till the year 1827, when he went to Baltimore at 
the request of his uncle, the late David Barnum, who gave Barnum's 
Hotel in Baltimore the deserved fame which it so long bore, of being "the 
•best hotel in the United States." With much advantage to himself, he 
remained with his uncle in the capacity of confidential clerk, and became, 
under his able instruction, well instructed in the mystery of keeping a 
first class hotel. During the time he was with his uncle, there was a 
great celebration in Baltimore, caused by the opening of the first fifteen 
miles of the Baltimore aiul Ohio Railroad to Ellicotts' Mills. Mr. Barnum, 
with many thousands of others, visited the place, and, it being at that time 
a terminus, he determined to put into practtical cff"ect the experience he had 
gained in hotel-keeping, and opened what was long known as the Pa- 
tapsco Hotel. So long as Ellicotts' Mills was a terminus the hotel did a 
swimming business. It was there that the stages received their passen- 
gers for the national road across the mountains, and on the arrival of the 
cars, the passengers for the West breakfasted with Mr. Barnum. In the 
summer, hundreds of citizens, attracted by the reputation of the hotel, 
and the natural loveliness of the romantic country, would come from the 
city in the morning, and after spending the day, would return in the 
evening. 

Mr. Barnum rem.ained at Ellicotts' Mills so long as it was a terminus 
and a harvest was to be gathered ; and when these essentials ceased to 
exist, he sold out his establishment to Mr. A. McLaughlin, now one of the 
proprietors of Barnum's (^ity Hotel, Baltimore.* Whilst at Ellicotts' 
Mills, in 1832, he married Miss Mary Lay Chadwick, daughter of Captain 
Chadwick, of Lime, Connecticut, who was a captain for some time on one 

* Mr. Andrew M'Laughlin disposed of his fine hotel at Ellicotts' Mills to much ad' 
vantage, owing to the prestige and success which it had attained. 




T H E R O N B A R X TT M. ESQ. 

I, p. '^117.) 

EN(JRAV'ED KXPKK88I.Y KOK THIS WORK FROM \ PIIOTOCJRAPII BY LON«. 



THEKON BARNUM. 209 



of the large packets that coursed between New York and Liverpool. 
The fruit of this marriage was two sons, Freeman and Robert, both of 
whom are living. 

In 1835, Mr. Barnum removed to Philadelphia, and bought the Hiila- 
dclphia Hotel, located in Arch street, but having long before tliought of 
arranging his business and starting for the West, he sold out in 1838, 
determining to settle in St. Louis, whose great future, from the force of 
location, he knew was evident. On his way to St. Louis he was induced 
to stop at Terre Ilaut, a thriving town in Indiana, and take charge of a 
hotel owned by Mr. Chauncey Rose ; however, he did not long remain in 
that place, feeling convinced that though it would become a town of 
most respectable size and business, it would never support the kind of 
hotel of which he was desirous of becoming the head ; so he removed to 
St. Louis in March, 1840, and rented the City Hotel, situated on Third 
and Vine streets. This hotel was a long time the favorite house of the 
public, and Mr. Barnum, during his proprietorship, enlarged and im- 
proved it to a considerable degree. He kept that hotel successfully for 
thirteen years, and in September, 1852, sold out. 

The activity of Mr. Barnum's previous life precluded any thing like 
inaction, and in a short time, after selling out the City Hotel, he made an 
effort to raise a stock company, for the purpose of building a magnificent 
hotel at a cost of $300,000, which would be worthy of the great metrop- 
olis of the West; but his spirited cftbrts were not met with the encour- 
agement they deserved, and the project was abandoned, though Mr. 
George Collier, Colonel Brant, and Mr. Swearergen, each subscribed the 
liberal sum of $25,000. He afterward took his present hotel, which 
was built by Mr. George R. Taylor, and admitted Mr. Fogg, who was 
his clerk, as partner. Mr. Barnum always adopts the safe plan of select- 
ing his chief and responsible officers from the number of his numerous 
employes whose merits and talents fit them for superior positions; by 
this means he has well-tried, trustworthy, and efficient officers. 

The furnishing of his hotel cost Mr. Barnum the large sum of $80,000. 
The house is well known throughout the United States, and the well- 
known reputation of Mr. Barnum is evinced by the crowd of arrivals which 
daily enjoy his accommodations; and in private life his integrity, his en- 
terprise, his courtesy and generous disposition have made him universally 
loved and respected. 



DR. ANDERSON. 

This learned and eminent divine was born in Prince Edward's county, 
state of Virginia, December 5, 1814. llis father, Stephen C. Anderson, 
was a respectable planter, and served as a magistrate of the commonwealth 
in which he resided. The early days of young Anderson were spent upon 
the farm of his father, and usually attending the little village school of the 
place, whidi afforded him instruction in the common branches of an Eng- 
lish education; and with the aid of a tutor he was instructed in the mys- 
teries of the Latin and Greek languages, until 1831; he then went to the 
University of Ohio, at Athens, and from there to Andover, Indiana, and 
graduated in 1835. 

After having, by the study of years, formed the groundwork on which 
he could build any profession, young Anderson, following the bent of his 
inclinations, which had long fostered a love for religious pursuits, went to 
the Union Theological Seminary, for the purpose of fitting himself for the 
duties of the ministry. After passing through the full course suitable to 
his firture calling, Mr. Anderson went to Oxford, North Carolina, where 
he Tcmaiiied one year: and receiving an invitation from Danville, Vir- 
ginia, lie accepted the call, and for five years preached to a respectable and 
continually-increasing congregation. From Danville he removed to Nor- 
folk, where he soon became most popular in his calling. The fame of his 
learning, his piety, and his effective delivery from the pulpit, soon spread 
beyond the precincts of the little city in which he lived, and his name 
became associated with the constellation of ministers whose talents can 
best invest Religion with her true and heavenly attributes. 

After remaining in Norfolk for five years. Dr. Anderson came to St. 
Louis in 1857, and engaged as the pastor of the Central Church, which 
at that time was far from being in a flourishing condition. Nothing dis- 
couraged, he went earnestly to work, and by the daily example of a well 
regulated life, and by precepts from the pulpit, bathed in the llybla?an dew 
of eloquence, he awakened emotions in hearts which had before remained 
indiff'erent to the duties of religion, and by degrees the congregation in- 
creased in number, and the church was soon relieved from the debt which 
had so long oppressed it. The church is now in the most prosperous 
condition. 

Dr. Anderson was married April 9th, 1840, to Miss Lucy A. Jones, of 
Nottaway county, Virginia, and the domestic fireside and ministerial 
duties form the elements of his happiness. The secret of his success as a 
preacher is owing to his earnestness of manner, to the strength and purity 
of his lan<Tuage, and the possession of true piety, which gives that genial 
glow to his discourse, which, by sympathetic fervor, invites the listener to 
partake of the pure joys which spring from a religious life. He lives, 
and has lived, to good purpose, and his watchfulness over his congregation 
shows that he truly acts the part of a good shepherd to his uock. 




REV. S. J. P. ANDERSON, D. D., 

Central Prenlnjierian Church. 

Cp. 211.) 
engPlAved expressly for this work from a photograph by brown. 




SULLIVAN BLOOD, 
President of the Boattnan's Savings Institution. 

(p. 213) 

ENGRAVED EXPRESSLY FOK TJIIS WOKK FROM A PUl)T(jGKAl>U UY TROXKLL. 



SULLIVAN BLOOD. 

PRESIDENT OF THE BOATMENs' SAVINGS INSTITUTION 

The subject of this memoir was born in the town of Windsor, state of 
Vermont, on the 24th of April, 1795. His life has been one of progres- 
sion ; and, as we follow him from his humble commencement in the 
city of St. Louis, and see how step by step he has risen to position and 
affluence, we feel that his biography will exert a salutary induonce; and 
many an ambitious youth, denied the influence of friends and wealth, will 
be cncouraoed to fight manfully and hopefully the great battle of life. 

The parents of Sullivan Blood were natives of Massachusetts, and emi- 
grated to Vermont, then called the new state, in 1793, there lived upon a 
farm, and both died during the years 1813 and 1814. Two years after 
losing his parents, Sullivan Blood, who always possessed an enterprising 
and ambitious mind, determined to emigrate to the far West, and there 
manfully to work out his destiny. After examining thoroughly on the 
map the different locations, he selected that of the city of St. Louis 
as the most proper place to commence his fortune, and in 1817 fixed his 
residence in that spot. St. Louis, at that time, was just passing the 
barrier in municipal existence which divides the village from a town, and 
according to an edict issued by the authorities, a night-watch was ap- 
pointed the following year, and among the number of candidates for the 
new appointment Mr. Blood was elected as one of the watchmen ; but 
when he became known, and his character and talents appreciated, he was 
soon exalted to the position of captain. 

During the time that Captain Blood held his responsible position, the 
property of the city and citizens was well protected from the thief, the 
burglar, and the incendiary; and so efficient was he in the discharge 
of his duties, that he retained the position of captain for the space of some 
years After remaining six years in St. Louis, Captain Blood determined 
to revisit the Green Mountain state, and, during his visit, married Miss 
Sophia Hall, whose mother still survives, at the venerable age of ninety- 
one years. 

Captain Blood was a constable in the city for ten years; and served 
in the capacity of deputy sheriff during the terms of Robert Simpson 
and John R. Walker. In 1833, he was elected an alderman from 
the second ward, and served one year. Beyond this. Captain Blood 
has not been identified with political life, which he knew would inter- 
fere with his private business and domestic happiness. He has often 
been solicited to become the candidate for many important offices, but for 
the reasons- we have given, has always declined political interference. 
Captain Blood early turned his attention to steamboating, and in the 
palmy days of steamboat navigation, before railroads had crossed the 
western prairies, he became engaged in the trade between New Orleans 
and St. Louis, and plentifully gathered of the harvest which belonged to 



216 SULLIVAN BLOOD. 



those who were engaged in the profitable pursuit of steamboating. He 
built two boats, both of which ho commanded, and by the kindness of his 
disposition, and the amenities of his manners, the boats he commanded 
became the general favorites of the travelling and commercial world. 
Many citizens of St. Louis, and iidiabitants of all parts of the Union can 
call up pIoas;int reminiscences, while a passenger in the boats commanded 
by the careful and friendly Captain IJlood. lie probably knew the Mis- 
sissippi, during the time he was an officer on its waters, as well as any 
pilot engaged upon it. 

The circumstance of Captain Blood being once a boatman, and his 
popularity with all who followed that profession, made it proper that he 
should be appointed a director in the "Eoatmens' Saving Institution," 
which was created with especial reference to the wants, and for the bene- 
fit of that numerous class of individuals who follow the western rivers as 
a means of subsistence. It was thought tliat the name would enlist the 
attention of numerous liardworking but improvident individuals, who 
miii'lit be induced to deposit a small portion of their hard-earned money, 
and by that means contract habits of calculation, and a desire to create a 
store on which they could draw, should some malady assail them, or old 
ao"e render them unfit for manual exertion. From the verj^ first, Captain 
Blood became the supporter and friend of this institution, which, from an 
humble commencement, has become one of the most extensive and favor- 
ite moneyed institutions in St. Louis. 

The confidence reposed in an institution necessarily arises from tho 
character of its officers; and Captain Blood was appointed a director in 
1847, and during the last five years has been its president, and the weight 
of liis character is manifested by the popularity of the institution. He 
has always been a working man, and still works, enjoying a "green old 
age." lie has not frittered away his time either in visionary impossibili- 
ties or slothful inaction, but " honorable labor" has been the n)axim of his 
life, and to it he is indebted for the worldly comforts he possesses in the 
decline of his life; and to his industry, integrity, philanthropy, and 
domestic virtues, he owes the tribute of respect that is paid to his char- 
acter. 




JOHN A. BROWNLEE, 

Pranileiit of the Merchdnts' Bank. 

(p. 217.) 

KNUKAVKD EXl'BKSSLY I'OR THIS WORK FKOM A PHOTOGKAI"]! ISV HKOWN. 



JOHN A. BROWNLEE, 

PRESIDENT OF THE MERCHANTS' BANK. 

John A. Brownlee was born May 8th, 1819, at Basking Ridge, state 
of New Jersey. His fatlier, the Rev. William C. Brownlee, D. D., was an 
enjineiitDivine, and a most accomplished scholar, being a graduate of the 
University at Glasgow, Scotland, and, immediately on entering the minis- 
try, removed to this country, and first commenced his ministerial labors in 
the state of Pennsylvania, as a Presbyterian minister. His thorough and 
varied learning, and the earnest devotion to the sect whose creed he had 
chosen to follow and advocate, soon gave him distinction in the literary 
world, and made him the champion of his religious order. 

Besides filling with distinction various posts in his ministerial calling, 
the Rev. Dr. Brownlee was distinguished as an author in various depart- 
ments of learning, and, at one time, was the President of Rutger's College, 
New Brunswick, of which the Hon. Theodore Frelinghuysen is now the head. 
Dr. Brownlee removed to New York in 1825, and became one of the 
associate ministers of the Reformed Dutch Church, and was considered the 
ablest pulpit orator of the day. It was while he was pastor of the 
Presbyterian church at Basking Ridge, that his son, John A. Brownlee, 
the subject of this memoir, was born. 

As far as social position, paternal influence, and the well-wishes of troops 
of friends could subserve him, John A. Brownlee was born under the most 
favorable auspices. The position of his father gave him every opportunity 
of early improving his mind, and storing it with knowledge that might 
fit him for future usefulness. After receiving a liberal education, young 
Brownlee selected commercial pursuits as his business calling in life, and 
went to New York city, where he was engaged in the extensive wholesale 
silk house kept by Throckmorton & Co., and there remained for three 
years. Being of an aspiring- disposition, which prompted him to be at the 
head of the avocation he had chosen, he determined to remove from New 
York and seek in the West a more favorable field, where to found his 
fortune and gratify his ambition. 

Chicago, the Queen City of the lakes, had just commenced to attract 
attention, and John A. Brownlee removed to the then embryo city, where 
he remained one year, and then went to St, Louis, in 1839, where he 
believed the business inducements to be greatest. In St. Louis he com- 
menced as dry goods clerk m the house of P. E. Blow, which soon after 
became known as the firm of Blow & Labaume. 

By his business capacity, his integrity, and successful management, 
Mr. Brownlee soon won the respect and confidence of his employers, and 
by degrees passed through all tlie progressive stages of advancement until 
he became a partner in the establishment he entered as clerk, and the 
firm was conducted by him and his associate, Mr. L. B. Shaw; nearly at 
this time he was joined in marriage to Miss Ridgely, of Baltimore. At 
the death of Mr. Shaw, the entire business was purchased by Mr. Brown- 



220 JOHN A. BROWNLEE. 



lee, which he conducted solely for some time, until the present firm of 
Brownlee, Homer & Company was organized. 

The ruling desire of Mr. Brownlee's life appears to have been to gain 
the highest round of usefulness in business life ; and his present position, 
his Avealth, integrity, and influence, show how well he has accomplished 
his wishes. lie is President of the Millers <fe Manufacturers' Insurance 
Companj', and is the head of one of the most respectable moneyed in- 
stitutions in the state, being President of the Merchants' Bank. He has 
never wished to stray from the business orbit; has never sought the un- 
certain honors which belong to political controversy; and only on one 
occasion do we find that he took an active part in the turbulent scenes of 
party faction, and that was when he was president of the state council of 
the American party. His sphere in life has been of a quiet and useful 
nature, and he is well and honorably known in the city of his adoption. 
His high moral worth, connected with his business capacity and rare in- 
telligence, has given him an influence among all classes of citizens, who 
yield to his opinions, and readily submit to his judgment. 

John A. Brownlee is only at the meridian of life, and with his mind 
stored with information, and rich in experience, and possessing a consti- 
tution vigorous and healthful, he has the promise of a long future of use- 
fulness. 




HEXRY AMES, ESQ. 

(r-- ^21.) 

Exr.r.AVi:D kxpuksslv mr. tii:s \voi;k i-rom a I'II(iT()(;i:ai-ii i;y i:i:own. 



HENRY AMES. 

The subject of this memoir was born in Oneida county, New York, 
March 4, 1818. His father, Nathan Ames, was engaged for some time 
in agricultural pursuits, until, in 1828, he came to the city of Cincinnati, 
and engaged in the pork-packing business. His two sons, Henry and 
Edgar, who are all of tlie cliildren that are living, were sent early to 
school, and taught thorouglily the useful branches of an English educa- 
tion. That accomplished, they were taken into the establishment of their 
father, and instructed carefully in all the duties connected with the pork- 
packing business. 

In 1841, Mr. Nathan Ames, the father, believing that St. Louis, from 
her geographical position, would, in time, become the great metropolis of 
the West, and far outstrip the city in which he was located, established 
himself in the growing town in the same business he had pursued in Cin- 
cinnati, and died in 1852, aged fifty -six years, respected for his many 
virtues. 

Henry Ames had been connected with his father as early as 1833, and 
for many years floated down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers on flatboats 
laden for the New Orleans market. At that time the Mississippi was 
filled with snags, and the navigation was most perilous. Henry Ames 
narrowly escaped with his life on several occasions, from his boat 
coming in contact with these obstructions, and rapidly sinking. He was 
looketl upon, even Avben a boy, by the business men who knew him, as 
possessing all the elements suitable for the avocatio-n he pursued; and 
many predicted that he would in time attain the first rank in his business, 
and stand at its head. That prophecy is already fulfilled; for we believe 
that Henry Ames & Co^ are th«r largest beef and pork packers in the 
Union. 

Henry Ames was married February, 1855, to Mrs. McCloud, daugh-ter 
of Doctor Scudder. He is one of the most honorable and liberal of men ; 
and his enterprise and business cjipacity are undoubted. He has been, 
and is, connected with many offices of trust and importance. He has been 
President of the Chamber of Commerce for two years, is Vice-Presivlent 
of the State Saving Institution, is a director in the Merchants' Iiisurance 
Company, in the United States Insurance Company, and other institu- 
tions. Still young and in the prime of manhood, he has already garnered 
•wealth and reputation, without creating the envy which so usnally accom- 
panies success. He has won golden opinions from- all, auij tljui>e Arc none 
but who respect his name,, an^l appreciate his chara«ter. 



HENRY T. BLOW, 

PRESIDENT OF THE COLLIER WHITE-LEAD OIL COMPANY. 

Henry T. Bloav was born July 15, 1817, in Southampton county, Vir- 
ginia. He is descended from a very ancient English family, and can 
trace his hneage to the days of the unfortunate Charles I. He has a por- 
trait of one of his ancestors, John Blow, who was an eminent musician 
and composer of music at that time, hung in his parlor. Captain Peter 
Blow, his father, was a respectable planter in Virginia, and removed for 
a brief time to Alabama, and from thence to St. Louis in 1830, and became 
proprietor of what was known as the Jefferson Hotel. He died a year 
afterward universally lamented. He was married to Miss Elizabeth 
Taylor, of an old Virginian family, and had twelve children, six of whom 
are living, Peter, Henry, Taylor, Elizabeth, William, and Mrs. Joseph 
Charless. The gentlemen are all highly esteemed for their business 
qualifications, integrity, and intelligence, in the localities where they 
reside. 

Henry T. Blow, the subject of tliis biography, was early sent to school, 
and liad all the advantages of early mental culture, being designed by his 
father for the profession of the law. He graduated at the St. Louis 
University, an institution which has always been eminent for its thorough 
scholarship; and having given up all ideas of the legal profession, he ob- 
tained the situation of clerk in the drug establishment of Messrs. Joseph 
Charless & Son. 

_ Mr. Blow was always remarkable for his industry, his energy, and ambi- 
tion to excel in business pursuits. He very soon became indispensable to 
the establishment of his employers, and in 183G, after the elder Mr. 
Charless retired, lie was taken as partner in the house by the son, and the 
firm was known as Charless &: Blow. The firm did a very heavy and 
lucrative business, till 1839, when Jklr. Charless wishing to retire, Mr. 
Blow bought out his interest, and became sole owner of the drug store. 
This continued until 1840, when Mr. Charless again became a partner, 
and the firm became Joseph Charless & Company. The business soon 
became much enlarged, and the White-Lead Works, which formed the 
commencement of the present Collier White-Lead and Oil Company were 
connected with their business. 

In 1844, Mr. Blow and Mr. Charless dissolved partnership; the former 
having determined to carry on the White-Lead Works which he had set 
apart for himself on the dissolution of copartnership ; Mr. Charless still 
carrying on the drug-store. Fortune had always been propitious to Mr. 
Blow, but she became lavish of her favors; for in the short period of four 
years after his sole possession of the White-Lead Works he amassed all 
the wealth he desired, and then determined to retire, having an ample 
fortune. He applied for an act of incorporation of the White-Lead 
Works, and a charter was granted under the stylo of the Collier White- 




n E N R Y T. 15 L O W, E S Q., 
['resident nf ihe Collier Wliite-Lead and Oil (yym(>(iny. 

(p. 225.) 

ENOl'.AVKl) KXI'BKSSLY Ki)K THIS WORK KliOM A 1'I1(ITIH;BA1MI liY liROW.N 



HENRY T. BLOW. 227 



Lead and Oil Company. From the very commencement in its corporate 
character^ Mr. Blow has been its President, and the works do a business 
of immense magnitude and profit. 

Mr. Blow was married July 15, 1840, to Miss Grimsley, the accom- 
plished daughter of Thornton Grimsley, Esq., of St. Louis. He has 
never been an ardent politician, and never had much relish for the 
feverish excitement of political life, yet 'he yielded to the earnest impor- 
tunities of his friends, and was elected to the state senate for four years. 
He was a hard-working and efficient member, and took an active part 
in all the important measures that were agitated. Whilst at Jefferson 
City he was chairman of the committee on banks and corporations. 

Mr. Blow has been one of the directors of the Iron Mountain Railroad, 
and through his efficient exertion, assisted by others who possessed a 
taste for the fine arts, the Westcn-n Academy of Art came into being. 
This institution has been brought into existence by its corporators with 
much labor and expense, so as to form and encourage a taste for a love 
of the beautiful. Such an institution was much needed in St. Louis, and 
it will form a nucleus around which will cluster the votaries of art, who 
will contribute generously to its advance, and its refining influence will 
direct the sensibilities of the inhabitants in more delicate channels, and 
encourage a love of the elegant. Mr. Blow is president of the institution. 

Mr. Blow has always taken a prominent part in the aff'airs of the Agri- 
cultural and Mechanical Association, now so widely known throughout 
the Union, and has been one of its most efficient officers since its incorpora 
tion. Daring the last Fair of 1858, so as to create a general emulation 
among the architects of St. Louis, he offered, as a private premium, the 
sum of two hundred dollars for the best plan of a suburban residence, the 
cost not exceeding 120,000. He is well known to the citizens of St. 
Louis; and in connection with his acknowledged business qualifications, 
he is highly esteemed for his moral attributes. He is now in the full 
vigor of manhood, and has already accomplished what most men lay out 
as the work of a protracted life — " wealth, honor, and the good-will of all 
men." 



REV. DR. M. McANALLY. 

This well-known Methodist divine, journalist, and author, was born in 
Granger county, Tennessee, February 17, 1810. His parents, Charles and 
Elizabeth McAnally, came to the state of Tennessee wlien it was almost 
a wild, and soon became possessed of a very large tract of land in that 
fertile state. Charles McAnally was a Christian and Methodist preacher 
for forty years, and died at an advanced age in 1849. His son, the sub- 
ject of this sketch, had the advantage in early years of a fine private 
school, and early evinced an inclination for study and the pursuit of letters. 
He occasionally worked on the farm, which served to complete his physi- 
cal development; and after receiving a proper preliminary education, he 
commenced the study of the law, which he abandoned afterward for that 
of the ministry. 

At the early age of nineteen, young McAnally commenced his labors 
from the pulpit, and in November, 1831, was ordained with full powers 
of the ministi-y. He was remarkably successful in making friends and 
proselytes; and his ardent zeal, and impassioned delivery, and his effec- 
tive reasoning made him one of the most popular preachers of the Metho- 
dist persuasion. He preached in Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, and 
other places, until 1843, when he received the appointment of President 
of the Female Institute at Knoxville, over which he successfully presided 
for eight years; and the fame of the institution drew pupils from Maine 
to Texas. It remains to this day a first class seminary. 

In 1851, the Rev. Dr. M. McAnally came to St. Louis, at the invitation of 
the St. Louis and Missouri Annual Conferences of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, to conduct the Christian Advocate, and take charge of the books 
published by his church. The concern was started with, a capital of 
$1,800, and it soon became so profitable, that in 1853, the publishing 
business was connected with the bookstore, and a large quantity of stand- 
ard works, equal in typographical excellence to any coming from the 
large establishments in the East,, liave already been published. There 
have been more than 100,000 volumes issued by the concern since it went 
into existence. The hwise does a m£>st extensive business throughout the 
West, and belongs to the St. Louis,. Missouri, and Kansas Conferences. 

Dr. McAnally's connection with the Christian Advocate, so widely cir- 
culated is well known. He is a fearless and lucid writer, and dissemi- 
nates those doctrines which he believes will exert the most salutary influ- 
ence over the temporal and eternal welfare of his fellow beings. 




REV. DR. M. McANALLY. 

(p. 929.) 

ENGRAVK.n KXHRKRSI.Y FIMi THIS WORK FROM A I'HI )TOO|; A t'H 1:V TUdXKI I. 




GEORGE PARTRIDGE. 

(p. 231.) 

ENGRAVED JCXPRKSSLY FOR THIS WORK FROM A PnOTOGRAPH BY BROWN. 



GEORGE PARTRIDGE. 

The subject of this memoir was born March 27, 1809, at Walpole, Mas- 
sachusetts. He was the son of honorable parents, who still are living qt 
Terapleton, in the state of Massachusetts. His father, Ezekiel Partridge, 
was a farmer, and George, who was one of twelve children, was early 
initiated in the mysteries of agriculture, and faithfully assisted his father 
in the cultivation of the farm till he was seventeen years of age, a small 
portion of time being given to his education. He had time to go to the 
country school in the winter — the rest of the year was devoted to hard 
work. When he arrived at the age of seventeen, being anxious to com- 
mence a start in life, he taught a little school during two winters, by 
whivh he earned a. few extra dollars. 

In 1828, an unexpected misfortune diminished very much the resources 
of his father, and George Partridge had to sever himself from parental 
guiding-strings, and seek a livelihood in the world among strangers. 
Though brave at heart, and early confident in himself, it was not without 
a full heart and moistened eye that he took leave of the parental roof, and 
went to Boston to seek his fortune. His cash capital on reaching Boston 
amounted to thirteen dollars, and consequently he could not delay in select- 
ing what to do, as his means would soon become exhausted. He must com- 
mence work at once, or starvation would be the result ; so lie commenced, 
as the quickest mode of turning over his capital, the sale of books and 
papers, and also procuring subscriptions for the same. This was an 
almost starving occupation, and young George Partridge soon forsook it, 
when he was offered a situation in a grocery store, at a salary of fifty 
dollars a year and board. He remained in that employment for some 
time, and finding that, with all his economy, he could scarcely save 
enough to purchase his clothes, he resolved to start, if possible, in business 
himself, if he could get credit for his stock of goods. His industry, honesty, 
and attention to business had been noticed by business men, and he found 
no difficulty in procuring credit, and started his fortunes with a stock of 
goods, and a store at four hundred dollars rent, in which first investment 
he was very fortunate. He remained at that time in the grocery business 
eight years, the last years of the time engaged solely in the wholesale 
trade. 

All who have reached the meridian of life must recollect the terrible 
financial crisis which visited the country in 18-'57, and swept from exist- 
ence in the business world firms which before appeared to possess all the 
elements of healthful endurance. Amid the business prostration which 
was everywhere around him, George Partridge stood unmoved by the 
shock. His neighbors suspended payment, but he was always ready to 
cancel his debts. 

It was the custom of groceries in those days, as now, to do a large liquor 
business, which formed the most lucrative portion of the trade, and finding 
if he did not sell that important article in Boston, that he could not keep 



234: GEORGE PAKTKIDGE. 



pace with other grocers, Mr. Partridge sold out in June, 1838, and re- 
solved on trying his fortunes in the Far-west. 

After leaving Boston he went to Burlington, a thriving town in Iowa, 
where he established a large grocery house, which went under the name 
of Bridgeman & Partridge, and did a lucrative business. Whilst in Iowa 
Mr. Partridge made an effort to establish a Unitarian society, but there 
were too few of that popular sect in Burlington and its vicinity to form a 
congregation, so the project was unsuccessful. Thriving as the town of 
Burlington is, Mr. Partridge wanted an ampler field, so he came to St. 
Louis, and bought a copartnership in the firm of Smith and Brother, and 
commenced the grocery and commission business, under the firm of 
Partridge & Company, and one of the conditions of the partnership ex- 
presses that no alcoholic liquor is to be sold. 

Mr. Partridge has been twice married. In March 2*7, 1834, he was 
married to Miss Elmira Kenney, and on January 6, 1858, to Mrs. Claracc 
C. Cotter of Boston. From a long course of successful business pursuits, 
he has won for himself the confidence of all business men, and filled many 
important positions. He is a director in the Ohio and Mississippi Rail- 
road, also one in the State Saving Association, and was one of the Board 
of Public Schools, which he held for five years; took an active part in 
the building of the Unitarian Church ; one of the trustees of Washington 
University, and most eflicient in procuring the erection of the new Female 
Institute, the Mary Academy, to be connected with it; and is connected 
in divers ways with other institutions. 

The charity of Mr. Partridge is munificent and unostentatious, and 
wlien one of the eleemosynary institutions of our city was in debt five 
hundred dollars, he paid the amount out of his own pocket, without re- 
quiring the public journals to sound the charity in their thousands of dis- 
tributions. He is now approaching the "sear and yellow leaf" of life, 
but he is surrounded with troops of friends. 

In March 31, 1859, the parents of Mr. Partridge celebrated at his house 
their "golden wedding," having been married fifty years, and lived happily 
in that relationship. 




//Wf^>^- ^^ 



WILLIAM GLASGOW, JR., 
President of the Miinouri Wine Company. 

(p. 235.) 

KNGRAVKD F.XP11E88I.Y FOR THIS WORK FROM A PHOTOORAPH BY BROWN. 



WILLIAM GLASGOW, JR. 

PRESIDENT OF THE MISSOURI WINE COMPANY. 

William Glasgow, Jr., was born at Christiana, state of Delaware, 
July 4, 1813. Some five years after his birth, his parents, James and 
Ann Glasgow, removed from that state to Missouri, and settled at Chari- 
ton, and removed from there to St. Louis in 1836. 

William Glasgow, Jr., was the second child, and he received the rudi- 
ments of his education at Chariton, but on attaining a proper age, was 
sent to a fine school in Wilmington, state of Delaware, where he remained 
three years completing his education. After leaving school he commenced 
business in that town, where he remained until 1836, and, joining his 
father, came to St. Louis. 

After a residence of some years in Missouri, William Glasgow became 
convinced that the soil of a large portion of the state was adapted to the 
growth of the grape. lie drew his conclusions from the nature of the 
soil, the climate, and the plenty and luxuriance with which the wild grape 
abounded and flourished in almost every locality. So well convinced was he 
of the fact that the grape could be successfully cultivated, that he planted a 
small vineyard at his present residence, in 1844, amid the jeers of many 
who derided the idea that wine could be made in Missouri. However, the 
crop was an abundant one, and the experiment even surpassed the expecta- 
tions of Mr. Glasgow. This was the first vineyard ever established in the 
state of Missouri, and to Mr. Glasgow belongs the credit of introducing into 
the state an article of agriculture, which will soon rank as one of its staples, 
and become one of the chief elements of wealth and national industry. 
Mr. Glasgow, in 1847, obtained the first premium for grapes and wine 
that was conferred by any society in the state of Missouri. It is natural 
for man to link himself with successful measures; and finding that the cul- 
tivation of the grape would prove profitable, in 1853 there was formed a 
company called William Glasgow, Jr., & Company, which consisted of 
William Glasgow, Jr., Amadee Valle, and Allen PI. Glasby, for the pur- 
pose of manufacturing wine from grape produced in Missouri, on an exten- 
sive scale. The company obtained a charter in 1855, under the name of 
the Missouri Wine Company, with a cash capital of $65,000, and Mr. 
Glasgow was chosen President, which ofiice he still holds. The fame of 
the wine now extends over both hemispheres. 

Mr. Glasgow was married April 16, 1840, to Miss Sarah L. Lane, 
daughter of Dr. William Carr Lane, first mayor of St, Louis. He has 
the confidence and respect which the purity of his character so well 
deserves. 



PART III. 

HISTORY OF ST. LOUIS-FRENCH DOMINATION. 
CHAPTER I. 

Liiclede Liguest and his companions start from New Orleans, August, 1763, and arrived 
at Ste. Genevieve in November. — Leave Ste. Genevieve and go to Fort de Cliartres. 
He makes a voyage of discovery to tlie mouth of the Missouri. — Selects the spot for 
his trading post. — Settlement of St. Louis, February 15, ITGi. — Visit of the Missouri 
Indians. — Treaty of 1763. — Secret trea'ty between France and Spain.— Increase of 
St. liouis. — Early habits of the settlers.— llage of the people when informed of the 
secret treaty. — Arrival of Louis St. Ange de Bellerive at St. Louis. — Granting of 
land. — Popularity of the commandaht. — The attachment of the Indians to the P'rench, 

• their hatred of the P^nglish. — Laying out of St. Louis. — Its extent in 1764 and 
1780. — Its appearance before any buildings were erected. — Stylo of dwellings. — 
Names of principal inhabitants. — Grant made to Liguest of the land on wliich he 
first commenced to build. — Grant of land on La Petite liiviere. — Mills built thereon. 
— First mortgage. — First marriage. — Land reserved for church. — First baptism. — 
The place for a public square. — Unfavorable news from New Orleans. — The arrival 
of Rios. — The determination of the inhabitants to resist Spani.'-h autliority. — He 
leaves St. Louis when the news reaches him that the Spanish commandant was 
driven from NewOrleans. — Joy of the inhabitants. — The common fields. — Their reg- 
ulations. — Names of common fields. — Arrival of Pontiac. — His appearance. — His 
fame. — His visit to Cahokia. — His assassination. — His burial in St. Louis. — Exter- 
mination of the Illinois Indians. — The arrival of O'Reilly in New Orleans. — His re- 
ception by the people.— Five of the inhabitants are executed, and six sent to the 
dungeons in Cuba. — The first church is built in St. Louis. — Its consecration by 
Father Gibault. — Arrival of Piernas in St. Louis. — He takes possession of the town. 
— French domination ceases iu Louisiana. 

It was in the summer of 1 763, that there was a commotion of no ordinary 
kind in the town of New Orleans, then the capital of the whole province 
of Louisiana, which was almost fabulous in its extent. It had become 
bruited abroad that a charter had been given a company, conferring upon 
them the privilege of «n exclusive trade with the savages of the Missouri, as 
far north as the St. Peter's River. The title of the company was Laclede 
Liguest, Antoine Maxent and Co., of whom the first-named partner was 
the active representative. 

At that time, little was known of the waters of the Upper Mississippi, 
for above the mouth of the Missouri there was no trade carried on with 
New Orleans, the capital of the province. Nearly a century before, there had 
been few settlements formed on the eastern side of the Mississippi, at St. 
Philip's, Kaskaskia, Cahokia, and Fort de Chartres, villages on or near its 
banks, but on the west side of the "great river" there was no attempt 
made to colonize the territory north of Ste. Genevieve, then called La 
Poste de Ste. Genevieve, which, as far as tradition, with the suggestion 
of musty records, will avail us, was founded in the year 1755, and is the 
oldest town in the state of Missouri. The announcement that a company 
was going to establish a trading post and colony somewhere on the west 



AND HEE COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS 



239 




240 THE GKEAT WEST 



banks of the Mississippi River, neai* the Missouri, created a great excite- 
ment among the inhabitants of New Orleans, -who were principally made 
up of trappers, hunters and traders, fond of the wild romance incident to 
pioneer life. Many of them were anxious to make part of the new emi- 
gration, so soon to alienate themselves from their homes, and risk their 
lives in a region where the savages still claimed the immunity of their 
heritage, and believed that their hunting-grounds were free from the en- 
croachments of the white men. 

The new enterprise was very popular, not only from the reason that we 
before advanced, of the love of the people, at tliat early day, of adventur- 
ous excitement, but from the circumstance that Antoine Maxant, one of 
the proprietors of the company, held an office under the king of France, in 
the province of Louisiana, it is probable that through his influence the 
charter was obtained from M. d'i\bbadie, the governor of the province. Of 
Pierre Laclede Liguest, previous to this time, we know nothing, except 
that he came from a province in France bordering on the Pyrenees, and 
came to this country with credentials from the court of France, with the 
intention of trading with the Indians. Of him history has made no rec- 
ord, and even tradition, in her legendary narratives, preserves a singular 
silence. It is only from 1*763, to his death in 1778, t,hat we have any 
data that can furnish any materials for his biography, or enable us to 
form any estimate of his character. ^ 

The company, consisting of a barge number of mechanics, trappers, 
hunters, with probably a few agriculturists, started from the Crescent City, 
in the rough, heavy kind of boats that were used at that time, for some 
spot on the west bank of the Mississippi that would be favorable for estab- 
lishing a trading post and colony. The expedition was under the com- 
mand of Pierre Laclede Liguest, who carried with him a large amount of 
coarse but strong merchandise, suitable for the trade with the savages. 
After a fatiguing trip, they made a short stop at Ste.Genevieve, the only 
French post on the west banks of the Mississippi that could furnish any 
thing like shelter or the comforts of life. It was the intention of M. La- 
clede Liguest to leave his merchandise at that place, until he coidd fix a 
location higher up the river, and more contiguous to the Missouri. 

Finding that Ste.Genevieve could offer no accommodation for his party 
or sufficient shelter for his goods, M. Laclede Liguest, at tlie invitation of the 
officer in charge of Fort de Chartres, again ascended the river, with the 
intention of stopping at that place, and there disembark his companions 
and merchandise, until he could select a location suitable for his purposes. 
On arriving at Fort de Chartres, he found that preparations were ac- 
tively making to evacuate the place, and deliver it to the English, to 
whom had been ceded all of the French territory on the east bank of the 
Mississippi, with the exception of the city of New Orleans, by the treaty 
of 1763. The fort was commanded by M. de Neyon de Villiers, who, 
from the meagre accounts which history has left us, was of a haughty and 
imperious disposition, and gave to the voyagers not a very cordial wel- 
come, although he had extended to them the invitation of hospitality.* 

* Colonel Auguste Chouteau's journal, a fragment of which is preserved in the Mer- 
cantile Librar}- of St. Louis, though inaccurate as regards historical dates, certainly 
furnishes tlie only aulheutic information concerning the first settlement of St. Louis. 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 241 

M. Laclede Liguest, after storing his goods, started-with a few attend- 
ants for the mouth of the Missouri, resolving to fix on some spot between 
Fort de Chartres and the " Muddy River," at which he could commence a 
settlement in tlie early part of spring, it then being the month of De- 
cember. After carefully examining the appearance of the land on the 
west bank of the Mississippi, he arrived at the mouth of the Missouri, the 
Pekitanoni of the Indians, and, without making any delay, he immediately 
turned his boat down stream and landed on the spot which has since be- 
come the seat of the great metropolis of the western country. He had 
observed the location in ascending the river, and seeing no other possess- 
ing similar advantages, he determined that it should become the site of 
the village he proposed to establish. 

After closely examining the spot, he commenced slicing trees, saying to 
Auguste Chouteau, a young man who accompanied him: "You will come 
here as soon as the river will be free from ice, and will cause this place 
to be cleared, and form a settlement according to the plan I shall give 
you." After thus marking the place, he again set out for Fort de Chartres, 
delighted with the spot he had chosen, and on arriving at the fort, he 
told M. de Neyon and his officers, "that he had found a situation where 
he intended establishing a settlement, which, in the future, would become 
one of the most beautiful cities in America."* 

The place being selected for the establishment of his colony, M. Laclede 
Liguest occupied himself during the winter at Fort de Chartres, in making 
preparations to take possession of the chosen spot at the commencement 
of spring. Having early perfected his arrangements, and there being no 
hindrance from ice, he selected a choice body of men, consisting of the 
flower of the expedition, hqmg nearly all mechanics, and placed them 
under the direction of Auguste Chouteau, wlio acted as his lieutenant, and 
for whom and his family he always entertained a singular aftection. 

There were about thirty men under the charge of the young man, and 
M. Laclede Liguest gave to him, with other orders, the following instruc- 
tions : " You will go and disembark at the place where we marked the 
trees ; you will commence to clear the place, and build a large shed to 
contain the provisions and tools, and some little cabins to lodge the 
men."f Without any impediment they reached the place of their desti- 
nation, and disembarked on the fifteenth day of February, 1*764, at the 
desired place, and took possession of the soil on which they were to rear 
their future village.^ On the following morning the men commenced 
work in earnest, and, according to instructions, began the building of the 
shed in which to store the tools and provisions, and also the small cabins 
to serve as shelter for the men. 

In so inclement a month as February, the hardy pioneers must have 
been subjected to exposure and hardship which most of the present pam- 
pered inhabitants of St. Louis can scarcely reconcile with human endur- 

* Colonel Auguste Chouteau's journal. 

f Idem. 

i In the journal of M. Chouteau, written in his native tongue, there is some alter- 
ntion in the manuscript as regards dates, and the autlior, feeling some doubts whether 
the alterations had been made by him, has adopted the generally received opinion as 
regards the time of the arrival of the party who came from Fort de Chartres to com- 
mence the village. 



242 THE GKEAT WEST 



ance. In those early days, tlie luxury of life consisted in bravin<>; its 
vicissitudes, and the Spartan education forced upon the inhabitants t'rom 
necessity, created from habit, a love of danger and a wish for the wild ex- 
citement of pioneer life, though unfruitful of gain and subjected to every 
deprivation. To mingle with the savages, to follow the chase, and to live 
secluded in the wilderness for months, following the hazardous business of 
trapping and hunting, formed almost the entire occupation of most of the 
French inhabitants of that period. A little season of frolic with their light- 
hearted countrymen, when they returned to the haunts of civilization to 
dispose of their peltries, amply rewarded them for all their fatigue and 
danger; and then, quickly surfeited, they again sighed for the Indian and 
the wilderness. Even the artisans were often lured from their peaceful 
avocations, and following the chase for a brief season, were not strangers 
to the rough fare and hardships incident to the hunter's life. They learned 
to live upon and relish dried buffalo meat or whatever game fortune threw 
in their way. They could pillow on the earth and sleep unsheltered under 
the canopy of heaven, without thinking it a hardship. 

The followers of Pierre Laclede Liguest were men of this stamp ; brave, 
light-hearted, and inured to hardship. They probably spent the Hrst night 
of their landing in sitting round their camp-fire, engaged in cooking and 
eating, in telling long stories of perilous adventure, in passing around the 
innocent jest, or in singing some national songs which brought to their 
memories all the pride with which Frenchmen regard their native land. 
In a few days the sheds and cabins were finished, and in the. early part 
of March, Laclede Liguest having arrived, the plan of the village was laid 
out, and the site selected where he wished his house to be built. He 
named the place St. Louis, in honor of Louis XV., king of France. He 
little knew, at that time, his king had disposed of the whole of the vast 
country west of the Mississippi to the king of Spain. ^ 

Laclede Liguest remained but a very short time at St. Louis, being com- 
pelled to return to Fort de Chartres to make hasty arrangements ibr the 
removal of his goods, as it was daily expected that the place wolud be 
given up to the English. He therefore laid out a sufficiency of work for 
the men, who were left, as before, under the direction of Auguste C'hou- 
teau, while he returned to Fort de Chartres to attend to his merchan- 
dise. Before his departure, a large arrival of the Missouri Indians 
gave much uneasiness to tlie new settlement. They had heard of the 
large advent of the w-hite men on the west bank of the Mississippi, and 
beino- nearly destitute of provisions, a whole village came down to St. 
Louis to get a supply of the necessaries of life — in other words, they came 
on a beagiiig expedition. There were some hundred and fifty warriors, 
besides a fair proportion of women and children, and their arrival, at first, 
was looked upon with distrust, and probably with some emotions of fear; 
for they out-numbered the colonists five to one, and could have been very 
troublesome had they evinced any hostile intentions. However dishon- 
orable their designs, they appeared to have no idea of personal violence, 
and satisfied themselves with what they could gain by begging, with the 
chances of pilfering, which they never neglected to embrace. 

The presence of the Missouri Indians, notwithstanding their amicable 
bearing, was a source of continual uneasiness, as they always treated any 
suggestion of departure with an obstinate refusal. The wdiole colony was 



AND HEE COMMEECIAL METKOPOIJS. 243 

kept likewise on the alert lest so much temptation to their cupidity mioht 
excite them to some act of distrust and violence. It was thought best at 
this juncture by Laclede Liguest, to take some measures to cause the re- 
moval of these Indians, as their presence seriously conflicted with the 
advance of the colony. Already many who had come over from Cahokia, 
at that time called Caos, to take part in the future fortunes of the colonists, 
became alarmed at the presence of the Missouri Indians, and had removed 
again to their old homes; for they feared that the establishment of a 
colony on the west bank of the Mississippi River would be regarded with 
disfavor by the many warlike tribes on tll^f Missouri, who might forget 
their ancient feuds, and make common cause against a people to whose 
advance there appeared no limit. 

Laclede Liguest, by his decision of charactei-, joined with the knowl- 
edge of what measures have the most eftective influence on the savage 
mind, soon forced the departure of the Missouri Indians, and relieved the 
colony of their presence. They were, however, very obstinate in their 
endeavor to remain. After receiving a supply of provisions, they became 
so well pleased with their new friends, that they professed their inten- 
tion of always remaining near them, and of building a village around 
them. They said "that they were like ducks and buzzards, who sought 
the open water to rest, and could not find a spot more suitable for their 
purpose than the place where they then were."* By threatening them with 
the vengeance of the French troops stationed at Fort de Chartres, if they 
persisted in remaining, Laclede Liguest frightened them into a departure. 

The whole lot of ground situated between Market and Walnut, and 
Main and Second streets, three hundred- feet square, wiiere Barnum's hotel 
now stands, once made part of the large landed possessions of Laclede 
Liguest, and it was on it that the house was built which he first inhabited 
and the sheds and cabins of the men were on the east square. On these 
squares was the commencement of the city of St. Louis. The dirt from 
the cellar of the house was removed by the Missouri squaws, for beads 
and other trinkets which they highly prized. 

It becomes now necessary to break oft' the thread of the narrative, 
which cannot be pursued any farther at the present time with lucidity. 
We have before alluded to the fact that when Laclfde Liguest named St. 
Louis in honor of the king of France, he thought himself at that time the 
subject of Louis XV., and did not dream that the whole soil west of the 
Mississippi River had been ced#d to the king of Spain, He was aware 
that the whole country east of the Mississippi, with the exception of New 
Orleans, had been passed over to England, together with Canada, and 
when the news reached the villages and settlements there was a general 
mourning among the inhabitants, who possessed a feudal antipathy to the 
English, and who cursed, without stint, the cowardice or policy of their 
monarch, who transferred them to the allegiance of their most detested 
foe. They envied the few inhabitants on the west side of the great river, 
believing that they were still the subjects of la belle France. They were, 
however, suffering a delusion, for the whole of Louisiana west of the Mis- 
sissippi had been transferred to Spain, even before the treaty of Paris in 
1763. 

* Colonel Auguste Chouteau's journal. 



244 THE GREAT WEST 



France, placed under an imbecile monarch, and involved in pecuniary 
difficulties, entered into a secret treaty with Spain in 1762, and ceded to 
her all of her possessions west of the Mississippi River, including the city 
of New Orleans. What the terms of this treaty were the world never 
knew, but the natural inference to be drawn from the mystery and secrecy 
which shrouded it was, that it was in a high degree discreditable to 
France. The time when this secret treaty became known will be devel- 
oped in the natural course of this narrative, as it is intimately interwoven 
with the events which form a part of this history. 

After thus premising, we ?fill return to the direct events attending the 
settlement of St. Louis. On the departure of the Missouri Indians, the 
new colony, after finishing the necessary houses for their accommodation, 
soon gave indications of a thrifty appearance. The inhabitants of Caho- 
kia, Kaskaskia and other villages of the Illinois, having a great aversion 
for English rule, left their homes and settled in the new town, swelling 
the number of its inhabitants and adding to its resoui'ces. To this large 
accession of the French inhabitants of Illinois, who thought they liad re- 
moved to a soil loi)g to be governed by the laws of France, may be attrib- 
uted the increase, growth, and vital indications which attended St. Louis 
even at that early period. 

Under the direction of Lax:ilede Liguest, a man of rare energy of char- 
acter, and every way competent to be at the head of a new colony, if 
from the little that is left us of his history we can form an opinion, the 
great business for which he had come from New Orleans was soon estab- 
lished, and the trade with the Indians commenced. Before this, all of the 
trade in peltry had been carried on at Cahokia and Kaskaskia, but at the 
establishment of the trading post at St. Louis, tlie trade in those places 
commenced to languish, and by degi-ees was transferred to the new settle- 
ment west of the Mississ-ippi. The reason for this change of place in the 
peltry trade is not to be accounted for solely on the ground of the superior 
sagacity of the founder of St. Louis in directing the channels of trade to 
the place he had founded, but other circumstances had their force in eflect- 
ing it. 

As has been before observed, directly it became known that the Eng- 
lish were about to tatfe possession of the Illinois country east of the Mis- 
sissippi (a large portion of Upper Louisiana at that time went by the 
name of the Illinois country), many of the inhabitants removed to St. 
Louis, carrying with them their business ^nd their capital. This emigra- 
tion from Illinois was chiefly from Cahokia and Kaskaskia, the chief vil- 
lages, thereby weakening their trade and diminishing their resources. It 
is also a well known fact that the Indians have always had an aversion to 
the English fi-om their first intercourse with that people, and immediately 
that they received possession of the country east of the Mississippi, the 
savages, from a repugnance to their laws and their customs, no more 
sought to trade with the towns which were under their domination, but 
turned their attention to the new trading post on the west of the Missis- 
sippi, which was inhabited only by Frenchmen and apparently belonging 
to the domain of France. For the French the Indians had cordial feel- 
ino-s and a fraternal regard : for the English their feelings were worm- 
wood and gall. 

When St. Louis became the favorite place for the peltry trade, which 



AND HEE COMMEECIAL METEOPOLIS. 245 

it owed mostly to the reasons we have given and somewhat to its loca- 
tion being contiguous to the Missouri, upon whose waters so many tribes 
of Indians dwelt, it became a still farther inducement for a place of resi- 
dence, which, together with the unpopularity of the English rule, caused 
a continual emigration from the villages east of the Mississippi ; and a 
little more than a year from its establishment, it became evident, that it 
was going to be a town of importance, and would be the leading business 
place in Upper Louisiana. 

For more than a year after St. Louis was founded, the inhabitants were 
contented and happy, and lived in a state of perfect harmony. There were 
no statutes, no lawgivers, no prisons. There were a few leading inhabi- 
tants who were looked upon in the light of patriarchs by the rest, to 
whom were submitted any little differences that would arise, and whose 
opinions had all the force of judicial decisions. 

The people who formed the first settlement at St. Louis were a different 
people from those which form the present population of the Great Metrop- 
olis of the West. Almost all of them were natives of the province of 
Louisiana or Canada, and consequently from their childhood had been 
unaccustomed to the luxuries of life, and were strangers to the artificial 
wants incident to older countries, and created by the indulgences of a 
more advanced stage of civilization. Divested of all extravagance in 
their wishes, they did not pursue wealth with the devotion so character- 
istic of modern days. They did not make it a god, for whom they were 
ready to sacrifice all of their temporal comforts and peril their eternal 
welfare. Contented with little, they had no motive to great exertion, and 
when their simple desires were satisfied, they endeavored to cultivate 
the art of being happy with each other. 

At that early time there was a fraternal bond which united the com- 
munity. There was but little division of interest, there were no castes of 
society, no temptations to test human weakness. All were on an equality, 
with the same habits^ and tastes. Their little cabins, formed by logs set 
upon their ends, and 'then roofed in, were the very rendezvous of happiness. 
The dance, the festive song, the uncontrolled mirth, all bore evidence that 
their spirits were untrammelled by the selfish cares of life, and revelled in 
the sans souci ecstasy of simple pleasures. Enjoyment was the aim and 
end of their being ; and though they were wofully deficient in mental 
cultivation, their tastes did not flow into those vicious channels so charac- 
teristic of an ignorant people ; they were marked by simplicity and un- 
tainted by degradation. 

Such were the characteristics of the first settlers of St. Louis, who, 
though settling in a wilderness, and suffering the almost numberless depri- 
vations inseparable from an infant colony, yet enjoyed a larger measure 
of happiness, and had less of culpable frailties than the inhabitants who 
now dwell in the city they founded. 

It was in April, 1764, that M. d'Abbadie, the commandant-general of 
the province of Louisiana, received orders from the sovereign of France to 
proclaim to the people the surrender of all the French possessions west of 
the Mississippi to the power of Spain. At this intelligence the people of New 
Orleans were almost maddened with rage, and publicly avowed that they 
would not submit to the foreign allegiance which their imbecile sovereign 
would impose upon them. The treaty with England had been unpopular, and 



240 THE GKEAT WEST 



Louis had been abused for his pusillanimity ; but when this secret treaty 
with Spain was promulgated, and it became known that France had not a 
tittle of claim to all of her vast possessions which were hers two years before 
in America, the ire of the French was aroused, their national pride mor- 
tified, tliev iieaped curses on tiie head of their king and his ministers, and 
declared they would not be alienated from their mother country. M. 
d'Abbadie was so overwhelmed with grief at the orders he had received 
that he died of grief some months afterward.* 

It was not many months before the distressing intelligence reached the 
new colony at St. Louis, that they were no longer subjects of France, and 
the same grief and rage were manifested by the inhabitants which had 
been evinced by the people of New Orleans. For a brief season there 
was an interruption to the dance, the song,and the festive hour; and the 
little cabins sounded with male<lictions against a monarch who had trans- 
ferred them to other laws, and a foreign allegiance. There was one hope 
to which they clung with all the ardor incident to sanguine tempera- 
ments, which was, tliat the subjects of France residing in the country west 
of the Mississippi would never consent to be governed by the laws of 
Spain, Whatever spirit of resistance was avowed by the inhabitants of 
Nfw Orleans, was fully indorsed by tlie people of St. Louis; and it was 
this universal profession of resistance winch prevented Spain tVom forcing 
upon them sooner, the laws she had aright to impose on tiie soil she had 
properly acquired. However, Spain attiMupted a conciliating policy, and 
detei'mined u])on waiting until the first ebullition of ferling had subsided, 
before she would attempt to exercise her authority. In the proper place 
■we will state the time and events incident to the Spaniards taking posses- 
sion of the country they had acquired by the secret treaty of 1702. 

As has been before observed, for the first months of its existence, there 
were no appointments of officers in the little colony to put into force any 
prescribed law, or to arrest for its violation. The rights of person and 
property were respected, and the little community, without liaving the 
overshadowing power of tlie law and its terrors, were obedient to its max- 
ims from a sense of duty, and in no formal manner did they give up any 
of those natural rights which form the basis of constituted societies. There 
were among thena those in whom there was a general confidence, and to 
those a» to fathers, were submitted any trivial difterences which disturbed 
the usual friendly relations. 

Pierre Laclede Liguest, by the authorit}' which naturally vested in 
him, by being the active representative of a company existing under the 
sanction of royal authority, was looked upon with superior respect and 
as the natural head of the colony. He had many implied as well as ex- 
press prerogatives, and there is no evidence that he ever attenijited to 
abuse them. From all the records which remain that throw any light 
upon his character, and all of the reports handed down by tradition, he 
attended strictly to his business as merchant and trader, and ventured 
upon no legislative authority — which he could have done undisputed, to a 
moderate extent. Accoi'ding to the rights of a company existing under 
a royal charter, he could possess himself of any quantity of land necessary 
for the requirements of the company, and had the power of apportioning 



* Marbois's History of Louisiana, p. 136. 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 247 

it to individuals who wished to settle in the precincts of the vilUige he 
had established. This possession of land was only a usufructuary pos- 
session, remaining in force until the legal appointment of proper officers 
vested with power to confer grants, and it tlien became necessary for the 
representative of a company and also for those who had received an ap- 
portionment to apply by way of petition for grants, which, if the conditions 
were complied with, would give them a fee simple right to the soil. 

In the summer of 1765, St. Louis received the addition of upward of 
forty soldiers, under the command of Louis St. Ange de J3ellerive, from 
Fort de Chartres, which had been given up, with due formality, but with 
a sense of humiliation, to Captain Sterling, the English officer appointed 
to take possession in the name of his country. Whether this advent of 
Louis St. Ange de Bellerive was authorized by M. Aubri, the command- 
ant-general at New Orleans, or whether it is to be attributed to a volun- 
tary act on his part, can never with certainty be decided ; we have only 
the light of surrounding circumstances from which to form an opinion, 
and we are inclined to the belief that he had received orders from his 
sruperior in New Orleans to remove to St. Louis ; for the inhabitants, at 
that time, both of Upper and Lower Louisiana, had come to the firm con- 
clusion of resisting to the last extremity, any attempt of the Spaniards to 
enforce their authority in the town of New Orleans or on the west banks 
of the Mississippi. These hostile intentions, so manifest at the time, prob- 
ably induced the commandant-general to give St. Ange de Bellerive 
instructions to remove to St. Louis with the few troops remaining in his 
charge after the evacuation of Fort de Chartres. This, of course, is only 
a conjecture, but we would think it was inconsistent with the character 
of a royal officer's fame, on his own authority to remove to any post with 
the troops under his command. He was an officer under the king, and 
had no room to act, except in obedience to the dictates of his superiors. 

The arrival of troops in a country during the time of peace is no profit- 
able acquisition, and especially in a new colony where there is usually no 
surplus of provisions and a dearth of nearly all the necessaries of life. The 
arrival, then, of these forty soldiers from Fort de Chartres, in a commercial 
point of view, was of no advantage to St. Louis, They did not add to its 
number of industrious inhabitants, but had the effect of creating a still 
greater disposition to indolence, already too prevalent among them. 

These soldiers, from their early manhood, had been subjected to military 
life, and from habit, were fit for no other purpose. A little while after 
their arrival, the effect of their presence became manifest, and there was 
more of a disposition in the community to indulge in idleness and the low 
vices it always generates. Quarrels and disputes, fighting and dissipation, 
and the invasion of the right of property, became rife among the inhab- 
itants, and it became necessary that there should be established a power 
which should be effective in preserving the peace of the community, and 
at once to suppress the growth of those injurious predispositions, which 
were increasing to an alarming degree, and militated against the health- 
ful advance of the settlement. 

St. Ange de Bellerive was most popular, both as an officer and a man, 
and according to the general wish of the inhabitants, he was placed at 
the head of affairs, and exercised all the functions of a commandant-gen- 
eral. He was not only a favorite among his countrymen, but his name 



24:8 THE GREAT WEST 



acted as a talisman in securing the respect and affection of the Indians. 
They knew him as the inveterate foe of the English, and that in itself was 
virtue sufficient in their eyes to enlist their affection ; but there was 
another most potent cause — he was the friend of Pontiac, the great chief 
of the Ottawas — the demigod of the savages. It was only by the per- 
suasions of St. Ange de Bellerive that the great Indian chieftain consented 
to bury the tomahawk, which had been raised for so many years against 
the English, and made his name a terror to their settlements. When all 
of his allies forsook him, and it became evident that success was impossi- 
ble, St. Ange de Bellerive persuaded him to abandon a forlorn hope, and 
consent to peace, when arms could no longer avail him. Pontiac acted 
in obedience with his wishes, for he knew that St. Ange was no friend of 
the Jlnglish, and would not advise him to peace were there any hope in a 
hostile policy. ^ 

The regard of the Indian chief was sufficient to conciliate the regard of 
all the Indian tribes, and this known fact, together with his weight of char- 
acter, made him the most prominent man in St. Louis, who combined in 
himself the proper requisites which suited the people in their emergency. 
By their unanimous Avish he was vested with the authority of command- 
ant-general, with full power to grant lands, and to do all other acts con- 
sistent with his office, as though he held it by royal authority. The people 
of St. Louis stood in need of some one vested with the power of com- 
mandant-general, wlio could give some title to property, and to keep off 
that confusion which was rapidly prevailing concerning a confliction of 
titles arising from priority of possession. 

St. Ange de Bellerive was an intimate friend of Laclede Liguest, the 
founder of the town, and like him, never entered into the married rela- 
tions of life, and was in every way worthy of the new trust reposed in 
him. 

The first grant of land made by St. Ange in his new authority, is re- 
corded in a book which was kept for the purpose, and appropriately called 
Livre Terrein. This grant of land, the first that is recorded, was made 
to one Joseph Labuxierc, and had a front of three hundred feet on Royal 
street (now Main), with one hundred and fifty feet in depth running to 
the river. All of our readers are acquainted with the block where the 
Bank of the State of Missouri stands. It was of this block that the first 
grant was made under St. Ange de Bellerive, as recorded in the Land 
Book. 

From a diligent examination of this ancient record we see that two 
judges, a procureur-general and a notary had been appointed, and this 
was done also most probably by the commandant-general at New Orleans, 
whose power was limited to the appointment of those officers, and did not 
extend to the appointment of any one invested with the authority of 
granting lands ; as before a necessity of such a thing occurring in LTpper 
Louisiana, west of the Mississippi, St. Louis had not been founded, and 
the sovereign of France, after tliat time, had no power of appointing offi- 
cers over a country which he had transferred to another power. All that 
xVubri, the commandant-general of New Orleans, could do, he probably 
did, bv the appointment of the officers which we have before mentioned. 
That it was bv his approbation that St. Ange de Bellerive accepted of 
the authority with which the people vested in him, there is no doubt of; 



AND HEK COMMEKCIAL METROPOLIS. • 2-19 

for he was too honorable an officer, and knew too well his duty, to con- 
sent to administer an authority which, until superseded by the Spanish 
government, was vested in the commandant-general at New Orleans, pre- 
vious to the secret treaty of 1162. The first grant of land in the Litre 
Tcrrein is dated the twenty-seventh of April, 1766. 

After the occupation of the English of the forts on the east of the Mis- 
sissippi, for many years there was but little intercourse between the in- 
habitants occupying the different banks of the river, and though the grant 
of property was of a precarious nature in St. Louis, from the circumstance 
that it did not proceed from a properly appointed officer, and whose 
grants could all be annulled whenever the Spaniards would enforce their 
claim, as St. Ange de Bellerive received his appointment after it was known 
at Orleans that the country had been ceded to Spain ; yet the French in- 
habitants still continued to cross the Mississippi to St. Louis, anxious to 
be under the domination of laws which suited their habits of life, and 
averse to being brought in contact with a race for whom they had a 
feudal antipathy. They hated the English and English laws, and all 
who could remove without the greatest sacrifice of property did so. 

The land where St. Louis stands was claimed by the Illinois Indians, 
yet they tacitly assented to its occupancy by the Fi'ench, and never ap- 
peared to urge any remuneration for the heritage they had been despoiled 
of without their consent. In those days, the legality of Indian claims was 
not acknowledged by the white man, who settled wherever lucre or other 
selfish feelings prompted, and appropriated lands without any inquiry as 
to his right. In those early times they were termed savages, and were 
treated as beings having no benefit in any thing created by an act of civ- 
ilization. Law was not made to protect them, and their property was 
invaded with impunity. 

Though all the country between St. Louis and the Pacific ocean was a 
wilderness where swarmed the most numerous and savage tribes of Indians 
on the American continent, the inhabitants of the little colony established 
by Liguest appear never during his life to have become embroiled 
with their savage neighbors, and fifter the departure of the Missouri In- 
dians nevef to have dreaded their interference. This was the more sin- 
gular as St. Louis on every side was surrounded with them, and from any 
of the cardinal points, the war-whoops of thousands of warriors could have 
been heard at its doors, had a spirit of revenge excited them to a hostile 
demonstration. Had the English founded the settlement, history would 
doubtless have had to record a diff^erent state of facts. It appears to have 
been the nature or the destiny of that nation, to have provoked the hos- 
tility of the Indians in the formation of every new settlement contiguous 
to the wilds where they roamed. What it did in the way of civilization 
on the American continent, was done conti-ary to every principle of re- 
ligion, and in violation of the natural promptings of humanity. On what- 
ever soil it placed its foot, it had first to be drenched in human blood 
before it could be possessed in peace. They profaned the sacred name 
of civilization by sacrificing to it, in the same horrid manner that the 
heathen did to Moloch by human life. 

The conciliatory policy of the French had always made them favorites 
with the Indians; nor was the settlement of St. Louis an exception to the 
general custom. Liguest had his agents established far in the wilds, where 



250 • THE GREAT WEST 



th6 beaver, buffalo and deer were the most plentiful, and where his emissa- 
ries were completely in the power of the Indian; yet these emissaries, with 
the pliancy peculiar to their nation, adopted at once the habits of the tribes 
■with which they were brought in contact. They hunted with them, like 
them could endure the greatest fatigue, and live off meat, without bread 
and condiment. These characteristics would naturally have biased the 
different tribes in their favor, but the Frenchmen, never suffering a too 
severe morality to interfere with what they thought their rightful pleasures, 
•would marry the daughters of the chiefs, which, besides having the 
luxury of a wife in the remot'C wilds, gave them an influence in the tribe, 
and a monopoly in the fur and peltry trade. 

The peltry trade, with some little of lead, formed the only articles of 
commerce of St. Louis, and for the first years of the settlement, Liguest, 
according to the terms of the charter, monopolized the whole trade. 
AVhether he actually kept possession of the trade for eight years, accord- 
ing to the terms of the grant, there are no means, of determining at the 
present day, but from the amount of property which he acquired, some 
idea of which we will furnish the reader at the proper time, it is probable 
that he insisted on the monopoly to the extent of its term. The secret 
treaty of 1762 did not interfere with his rights, as treaties never disturb 
the validity of contracts without proper indemnification. ^ 

When Pierre Laclede Liguest, in the spring of 1164, formed the plan 
of the village, though he may have thought he was liberal in the dimen- 
sions of its outline ; yet the inhabitants of St. Louis will think that his 
ideas of its future grandeur was not evinced by the extent of its bound- 
aries as disclosed by the map to which the reader is referred. What is 
now Main street extended from what is known as Almond to Morgan 
street, and upon it all of the first settlements were made. It was called 
La Rue Royalc, which name it sustained for many years, until it was 
changed to that of La Hue principale. What is now known as Second 
street extended from Cedar to Morgan. In the early grants it is merely 
denominated une autre rite priiicipale. It was probably known by no 
other appellation until the church was built, or preparation was made to 
build the same in the block where the cathedral now stands ; it was then 
changed to La Rue de VEfilise* Between 1766 and 1780, there was 
another street named, which was called La Rue des Granr/es, or The 
Street of the Barns, which is now Third street.f These were the dimen- 
sions of the town which Liguest prophesied to M. de Neyon, the French 
commandant at Fort de Chartres, would " be the most beautiful city in 
America." Though the circumscribed plan bore no relation to the proph- 
ecy, yet the prophecy has become true in less than a century.* 

The accompanying map exhibits the appearance of the town in 1780, 
just after it had been fortified by Cruzat, one of the most popular of the 
Spanish commandants. The town had swelled even in that short period 
beyond the dimensions assigned by its founder, names had been given 
to the streets, and the place had assumed the features of a respectable 
village, containing nearly seven hundred inhabitants. 

When Liguest visited the spot in 1764, there was a narrow strip of 

* Vide Livre Terrein. The various grants in this old record book designate the 
appellation of the streets on or about the time they were named hy the inhabitants, 
f This street was commenced being opened in 1803. 








ST. JOHN'S CnURCII (ROMAN CATHOLIC). 

Corner of 17 th and Chestnut Streets. 

Rev. John Bannon, Pastor. 




MISSOURI INSTITUTION FOR THE EDUCATION OP THE BLIND. 

Morgan Street, Corner of 20th Street. 

T. M. Post, President. C. Haywood, Secretary. 

TRUSTEES 

James E. Yeatman. S. Pollock, M. D. George Partridge, 

E. P. Pittmnn. George S. Drake. 

J. B. CilAPiN, M. D., Princij^al. 



AND HEK COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 251 

wood which skirted the river, which extended as far back as Fifth street, 
but not in a direct line, as stated by some authors, running the whole 
length of the dimensions of the town. It varied in its breadth in differ- 
ent localities, and some portions of the margin of the river were entirely 
free from any timber. The largest body of wood was where the first 
buildings were erected. In the rear of the village was an extensive 
prairie, termed in the records La Grande Prairie.* There was no fear 
then of the "Father of Waters" overleaping his barriers, and, as if to repel 
his invasion, nature had formed a blutf of from twenty to thirtv feet above 
the natural bed of the Mississippi, This bluff extended, with variation in 
height, the whole length of the village. At a little distance west of this 
bluff was a gentle swell, and on this rise the buildings first formed a vil- 
lage. There were two other swells, the last of which was bounded by 
Fourth street. 

With the exception of the first house that was built in 1*764, belong- 
ing to Liguest, which had its first story built of stone, previous to 1766 
the houses were built of logs or poles, placed upon ends, and then the 
square shingled at the top. Some were daubed with mud, and others, 
whose owners were in a better condition in life, were plastered within. 
They, however, exhibited but little comfort, and though they answered 
well the purposes of the inhabitants, whose wants were few, and who 
were unaccustomed to the luxuries of life, they would have been looked 
upon by the denizens of the present day as little huts unsuitable for the 
purposes of a stable or a shamble. 

After the advent of Louis St. Ange de Bellerive, from Fort de Chartres, 
when a government became instituted, things assumed a more flattering 
appearance, and several merchants of means, seeing the village under the 
salutary restraints of law, became residents of the place, and built more 
commodious habitations. Up to 1766, the names which appear to have 
occupied the most prominent place in the history of the little vilhige are 
Cerre, Labadie, Liguest, Chouteau, Sarpy, Glamorgan, Labuxiere, Lafebre, 
Conde, Ortes, and St. Ange de Bellerivcf AH other families who have 
become identified with the history of St. Louis were then inhabitants who 
made no important figure, and have since reached positions of impor- 
tance, or fixed their residence in the town after that period. 

It was on August 11th, 1766,J that Liguest got a grant of land where 
the first cabins reared in the town were built, and also the residence he 
afterward occupied, and which after his death became a portion of the 
Chouteau property, by purchase, and on which was raised the Chouteau 
mansion. It was thought at that time that France would make some- 
effort to have retrocededtoher allherpossessions on the west bank of the 
Mississippi, and that the grants made by St. Ange de Bellerive would 
then be legalized by confirmation. Deputies had been despatched from 
New Orleans to the king of France, imploring him to take some measures 
to that effect, as his subjects could be happy under none other than a 
French domination. At the same date with the grant we have mentioned, 
Liguest had granted to him a portion of land situated on La Petite Riv- 

* Vide Livre Terrein and Archives. 

f Ibid. 

j Arclnves. 



252 THE GREAT WEST 



iere, on which he caused to be built two mills for grist purposes, one of 
which ran by water, and the other was termed a horse-mill. These were 
the first mills erected in St. Louis, and were probably erected some time 
in 17G6.* 

The first mortgage recorded in the archives bears date the twenty-ninth 
of September, 17C6, and is made by one Pierre Berger to one Francis La- 
tour. The mortgage is a curious instrument, and, amidst the dearth of 
other information, serves to give an insight into the business and habits of 
that interesting period. Both of the parties acknowledge themselves as 
merchants and traders largely engaged in the peltry trade, one a resident 
in Canada, and the other temporarily a resident of St. Louis. The mort- 
gage was given on all of the goods owned by one of the parties as security 
in case of the non-payment of so many bundles of deer skins at a stipu- 
lated time. This first mortgage on record was cancelled some years after- 
ward by a simple receipt of the attorney of the mortgagee, acknowledg- 
ing the payment, attested by the notary of the town, and placed on record. 

The year 1766 appears to have been fruitful in events, and furnishes 
much of the data for the history of the town. The first mariiage which 
is recorded among the archives as having taken place in the new settle- 
ment, is dated the 20th of April, 1766. The parties to the contract are 
Toussaint llunau and Marie Baugenou. In those early days marriage 
appears to have been a much more important institution than in the 
present fast days of progressive civilization. Then the parties had to ap- 
pear previous to the ceremonj', and accompanied by their friends and in 
the presence of witnesses, had to declare tiieir intentions. 

In these mai'riagc contracts there was a great deal of worldly thrift and 
policy. The god of Love did not send his shatts so deep into the veins of 
his victims as now, causing the blood to burn and seethe, and making them 
blind and forgetful of every thing else in their haste to be united in mat- 
rimonial bonds. Then there was no ill-timed precipitation; no '" marrying 
in haste, and repenting at leisure." The parties, or at least their friends 
for them, looked upon marriage with a business eye, and consummated it 
in a business manner. The contract usually averred that neither of the 
parties was responsible for the debts of the other before marriage ; gave 
the amount of property possessed by both, together with the declaration 
of the amount they were to receive from their friends, who were present, 
and whose promises were binding on them, and made part of the record. 
There was some gift of a small sum of money also made by one party 
to the other as a gage cfamour^ and there were the usual reservations 
•made in case the marriage was unfruitful, and one of them surviving the 
other. These marriage contracts are singular documents, and savor too 
much of the chilling atmosphere of worldly prudence. True affection 
being a divine emanation of the great source of love, should be divested 
of every interested motive, and not be surrounded too much with provi- 
dent influences. 

In the grant of land made to Liguest, which we have before mentioned, 
bearing date the 11th of August, 1766, and containing the whole block 
where Barnum's hotel stands, we see that it is adjoining the land which 

* These mills were situated on what is now known as Chouteau's Pond. A lime 
mill stands at present on the old site. 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 253 

was held in reservation for the church ; so the land on which the cathe- 
dra! stands was designed for a catholic church previous to 1766, and at 
the laying out of the town. The French, though gay and volatile in their 
character, have always a great respect for their church, and in the estab- 
lishment of every colony the primary consideration has always been to 
establish a place of worship where they might assemble and enjoy the 
salutary influences of religion. Before the building of the first church, 
which took place in 1770, the religious rites were probably performed 
under some temporary shelter made for the purpose ; for we see, by refer- 
ence to an old record of baptism in possession of the Catholic church, that 
the first baptism in the new colony was performed in 1766, by Father 
Meurin, who, according to the record, "in default of a church," performed 
the interesting service in a tent. 

The founder of St. Louis, no doubt, intended that the neighbor- 
hood of his residence, which, as we have before observed, was built 
on the block between Walnut and Market, and Second and Main 
streets, should always be the most attractive part of the town ; for 
the adjoining block on tlie east side, was designed, at the laying 
out of the city, for a public square, and was called La Place cC 
Armes. The large warehouse of the company was erected near 
the place, and stood upon the spot occupied by the old market.* 
Human calculations, as regards the future, are ever fallible, and 
neither the church, the public square, nor the then centre of business, 
could long render that the most attractive part of the town. The little 
public square, then fronting on Main street and running 1o the Mississippi, 
would be all-sufficient as a park for a little village in its swaddling clothes; 
but the town has attained a Titan growth never dreamed of by Liguest 
in his calculations as to its future. Its wide limits demand a more cen- 
tral point of attraction, and already the post office, the index of a central 
location, is far removed from the street which Liguest thought would ever 
be to Saint Louis what the Corso is to Rome, and the Boulevard is to 
Paris. 

On August 11, 1767, the town of St. Louis was thrown into a ferment 
by the arrival of news from New Orleans, of the intention of the Spanish 
government to take possession of the country, which had been ceded to 
it under the secret treaty of 1762. It was rumored that a large Spanish 
force would accompany the Spanish commandant-general to New Or- 
leans, and, if necessary, would enforce, at the point of the bayonet, their 
authority. 

The news, which had convulsed with rage the inhabitants of New Or- 
leans, seriously disturbed the quiet of the people of St. Louis. The 
whole province of Louisiana had either to become subjected to Spanish 
laws, or else by force repel any attempt on their part to establish their 
power. All hopes from the interference of France were futile, and th$ 
remonstrance which had been sent to its sovereign, by deputations, had 
been unavailing. The cession had been made and the faith of the mon- 
arch pledged to the performance of the treaty. 

It was while the whole province of Louisiana was agitated by the turbid 
feelings of distraction, that Ulloa, the representative of the sovereign ol" 

* Hunt's Minutes, No. 3, page 72. 



254: THE GREAT WEST 



Spain, and holding the office of commandant-general of Louisiana, arrived 
in New Orleans, and his representative in Upper Louisiana, Rios, was 
desptftchcd to St. Louis with a body of Spanish troops to exercise the 
functions which had been delegated to him. He arrived at St. Louis 
August 11th, 1*768. However, when he found that the pulse of the 
people showed unfavorable symptoms to his authority, he never attempted 
to exercise the powers with which he was invested, and never came into 
any collision with the inhabitants, who were wholly governed by the ac- 
tions of the people of New Orleans, and had determined at that time to 
resist the Spanish authority. 

When Ulloa was compelled to take his departure from New Orleans, 
he probably sent instructions to Rios to evacuate St. Louis. Whatever 
cause influenced him to this act, immediately that he became informed of 
the flight of his superior from New Orleans, he made preparations for liis 
own departure in all haste, for the people were becoming impatient of 
his presence. He left St. Louis in the summer of 1709, with the few 
troops under his command, greatly to the relief of the inhabitants, who 
were kept continually, during his sojourn, in that uneasy state which the 
expectation of a coming collision always produces. 

When the Spanish commandant had departed, a weight of oppression 
seemed to have been removed from the minds of the people, and their 
joyful spirits, which for many months had been imprisoned by the re- 
straint put upon them by the peculiar circumstanct-s which surrounded 
them, again bounded forth into the liberty of enjoyment which was so 
characteristic of (heir nature. The ringing laugh, the festive carol, the 
merry dance, again became the chief elements which formed the happi- 
ness of the light-hearted Creoles at that early day. With a smile on their 
brows, and the warm light of joy flooding their hearts, they sought their 
common fields, and cultivated the little lots they owned in severalty, and 
which furnished them the little that was required for their subsistence. 

What are termcd"common fields,"was atract of land comprising a quan- 
tity of acres, according to the wants of the inhabitants, in which each 
inhabitant possessed a portion for the purposes of cultivation. They 
were enclosed at the joint expense, or rather each one furnished his 
proportion of labor. The lots were properly marked off, and laws were 
established in regard to the repairing fences, the time for gathering crops, 
letting in and turning out the cattle, &c. These lots were obtained by 
petition and grant, and belonged to the inhabitants as fee simple prop- 
erty, each on.e having the power to sell, devise, or dispose of the property 
in any of the forms incident to fee simple possessions. 

The French and Spanish, who were founders of new settlements, inva- 
riably adopted this system of common fields, which were at some little 
distance from the town, and which the inhabitants jointly cultivated. It 
yas done for protection, as it was necessary that the inhabitants should 
all reside in the village, so as to be ready to support each other, in case 
of attack from the natives ; and when engaged in their agricultural occu- 
pation, being together, they could the more readily resist any invasion. 
Such was the theory which generated the institution of "jiommon fields," 
which gave a certain degree of safety to the inhabitants, and a community 
of interest which brought them into daily intercourse, and served to cul- 
tivate and strengthen the feelings of mutual attachment. If one of their 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 255 

number was taken sick, his neighbors would cultivate his little lot, nor 
register the act in their memories as one of untold self-forgetfulness. 
Those were the golden days of happiness, and there was something like 
true affection subsisting among the human family. It was looked upon 
as a bounden dnty, and even a pleasure, to do an act of mutual kindness. 

The first common fields were established in what was called La Grande 
Prairie, small. at first in its dimensions, but increased in size as the in- 
habitants multiplied, until they extended, during the Spanish domination, 
over many hundreds of acres. These common fields were known by 
various names, such as La prairie des JVoi/crs, La j)7-airie de cut de Sac, 
La Petite prairie, La prairie Catalan, and La Grande Prairie* In 1775 
all of these prairies were fenced in as common fields, and^extended as far 
as the common fields of Carondelet, when that village became founded. 

In 1769 an event occurred which created in the village a sensation of 
pleasure and curiosity. It was the arrival of Pontiac, the great Ottawa 
chieftain, to see his former friend and acquaintance, St. Ange de Belle- 
rive. The fame of Pontiac was as familiar at that time as "household 
words," from the Mississippi to the Atlantic. It was he who caused so 
many different tribes of Indians dwelling hundreds of miles asunder, oc- 
cupying a territory extending from the Mississippi to to the Alleghany, 
and from the lakes to the Ohio, to unite in a great confederacy against 
the English, and resist their power ; it was he who matured the plan and 
appointed the time for the different attacks to be made upon the forts and 
settlements, and through his agency more than two thousand of the Eng- 
lish had been "sent to their final account" by the rifle or tomahawk of 
the savage. lie had won the friendship and esteem of the chivalrous 
Montcalm; had played a conspicuous part in the ambuscade where Brad- 
dock fell; had planned the massacre at Michilmackinac ; and had it not 
been for the interposition of an accident, would have massacred the whole 
of the English garrison at Detroit.f From these incidents, a halo of ro- 
mance encircled his name, and when it became known to the inhabitants of 
St. Louis that Pontiac had arrived, there was an unusual excitement in the 
village, and all were on tip-toe of desire to get a sight of the great chieftain. 

St. Ange de Bellerive, at that time, resided in the house of Madame 
Chouteau, which was then upon the square opposite the St. Louis Repub- 
lican office, between Main and Second, and Market and Chesnut, or else 
he resided in the house of Laclede Liguest, situated in the adjoining 
square where Barnum's St. Louis hotel stands.l Wherever he resided, 
he gave a most cordial reception to Pontiac, who became his guest for 

* La Prairie des Noyers and La Prairie Catalan tooic their names from individuals. 
La Prairie de Cul de Sac was thus called because the centre of the prairie was hol- 
lowed out in a way resembling tlie bottom of a bag. 

f See History of the Conspiracy of Pontiac, by Francis Parkman, jr., where the 
whole plot to destroy the garrison is detailed. See also Carver. 

:j: We are inclined to think that St. Ange de Bellerive resided in the house of Mad- 
ame Chouteau, for when his death took place in 1774, he was residing with her. 
There is another circumstance which strongly supports this conjecture. Laclede Li- 
guest was unmarried, and was a great deal absent from St Louis, trading to New 
Orleans, and it is not probable that the commandant-general would reside from choice 
in a house where there was no one to see to his domestic comforts. As he was board- 
ing with Madame Chouteau at the time of his death, as recorded in the archives, it is 
almost certain that he resided with her when Pontiac visited St. Louis. 



256 THE GKEAT WEST 



some days, and was caressed and feted by the principal inhabitants of the 
village. 

Since his ambitious plans had all miscarried, he had sought as a relief 
the Lethean bowl of intoxication, that he might forget the past, where 
his once bright hopes were buried, and that his sensibilities might be un- 
affected by the contemplation of the future. He was still Pontiac, but 
" how fallen !" and the people of St. Louis would look in his bloated 
countenance in vaifi for that sublimity of expression which they thought 
had radiated the countenance of one whose life had given such evidence 
of intellect and chivalrous devotion to his country and people. However 
morally he may have fallen, yet his fame lived, and he was the lion of the 
little village, and attracted all eyes toward him. 

A few days after his arrival he expressed a wish to go to Cahokia, 
across the river, where many of the old French settlers had invited him, 
and contemplated a general mei'ry-making. St. Ange de Bellerive, and 
his other friends of St. Louis, strongly attempted to dissuade him from 
crossing the river, as the English laws were in force in that country, and 
an English trader resided there, who had much wealth and influence, v/ho 
had sworn vengeance against the life of the chieftain for some real or 
imaginary wrong. All the dissuasions of his friends were fruitless, and 
Pontiac, dressed in a complete uniform which he had received from the 
unfortunate Montcalm, and attended by a few followers, went across to 
Cahokia. His friends never saw him again alive, for when he had drunk 
deep, and his faculties were rendered obtuse and inactive, as he was wan- 
dering in the woods about the village, he was tomahawked by a Kaskas- 
kia Lidian, who had been bribed by the English trader, whose name was 
Williamson, to kill the great chieftain, and the price of the assassination 
was a barrel of whiskey. 

When St. x\nge de Bellerive heard that Pontiac was slain, he ordered 
his body to be brought to St. Louis, and, amid the general lamentation 
of the inhabitants, he had it buried near the only fortification of the city 
with all the honors of war.* It will not be too much digression from our 
main history to state here that the fate of Pontiac was well avenged. The 
great chieftain had been regarded by the different Indian tribes with a 
pride and affection which bordered on divinity. When the circumstances 
of his death became known among them, there was an universal howl of 
vengeance. The warriors were quickly assembled, and with the war- 
whoop thrilling upon their lips, and all of the savage instincts in full 
sweep of vengeance, they assailed the different tribes of the Illinois Indians, 
and, in an universal carnage, almost destroyed their existence.f The 
Ottawa chieftain died not unavenged ; but the white men, intent upon 
lucre and other selfish considerations, reared no slab with its epitaph to 
mark the spot where he was buried and to perpetuate his memory. 
Houses are built over his grave, and there are but few who know that his 
remains have their resting place in St. Louis. 

* There was only one fortification llien, wliioli had just been completed, standin<? on 
Fourth near "Walnut street. It was Imilt in the shape of a tower, and from it AValnut 
street took its name at that time as /iuerfc /a Tour. The tower was well built, and many 
of the inhabitants of St. Louis can still reiut-uiber when it wa<5 used as a prison. 

f The Illinois Indians were composed of three tribes — the Kaskaskias, the Feoriaa, 
and the Cuhokias. 



jlnd hek comatercial metropolis. 257 

During the same year that was fraught with the fate of Pontiac, news 
came from New Orleans which sent a thrill of terror into the hearts of 
the inhabitants, and made them tremble in the anticipation of the future. 
The Spanish government had again sent a representative to New Orleans 
to take possession of a country which it thought — and that too with jus- 
tice — it had been too long defrauded from occupying. It had awaited in 
vain for the people to become reconciled to the treaty made by their sov- 
ereign, and then determined to effect by force that which could not be 
gotten by conciliation, 

Don Alexander O'Reilly was appointed commandant-general of Loui- 
siana, and was sent with three thousand soldiers to enforce his authority. 
When these facts became known to the inhabitants of New Orleans, 
there were the same manifestations of resistance as when Ulloa attempted 
to take possession. In the case of O'Reilly, they assembled in vast num- 
bers, determined npon disputing his landing, and were only kept from 
carrying their designs into execution by the persuasions of the magistrates 
and the chief inhabitants, who saw that all attempts to resist such a force 
would be useless. However, the Spanish commandant-general landed 
amid threats and execrations. 

O'Reilly well knew that all the elements were ripe for a spirit of revolt, 
and he resorted to one of those acts of cruel policy which had frequently 
been resorted to before to quell incipient rebellion, by an execution of 
some of the principal men, which would strike terror in the hearts of the 
others and awe them into subjection. Twelve of the leading citizens of 
New Orleans were arrested, of whom five were shot, six condemned 
to linger out a suffering existence in the loathsome dungeons of Cuba, 
and one died by violence. This summary proceeding had its effect and 
chilled the inhabitants into submission. 

All of the Americans have been universal in their condemnation of 
O'Reilly, declaring that his act was an outrage npon humanity, unjustifi- 
able and uncalled for by the occasion, and naturally proceeding from the 
bloody instincts always so predominant in a tyrant nature. Nearly a 
century has now passed since that unhappy event, and we can look upon 
it in a manner difterent to what they did fifty years ago, when the cir- 
cumstance was comparatively fresh in the minds of the people, when the 
relatives of the victims were still murmuring against the deciee, and keep- 
ing in agitation the public feeling by continual complaints. Without jus- 
tifying the act of O'Reilly, we only say, that for far less opposition to 
power, the sword has been used more freely, and history has recorded 
many bloodier pages. He saw all the incipient movements of open rebel- 
lion around him, and may have honestly thought that the act was required 
by administrative policy, as an evidence that he possessed the iron hand 
of power, and as a preventive of open rebellion. 

The Spanish power was completely established by O'Reilly in New 
Orleans, and after things had somewhat settled into a system, Piernas was 
dispatched to St. Louis as lieutenant governor of Upper Louisiana. He 
arrived in St. Louis in the early part of 1770, and quickly received pos- 
session of the country from M. St. Ange de Bellerive, the commandant at 
the post.* 

* It is recorded in a statement in Hunt's Minutes, made by Colonel Augusta 
Chouteau, that Piernas arrived in St. Louis on the 29th of November, 1770. This is 



258 



THE GKEAT WEST 



The people of St. Louis, seeing that New Orleans had submitted to the 
Spanish power, had made up their minds, previous to the arrival of Picrnas, 
quietly to surrender to that government, to which their monarch had 
transferred them in the secret treaty of 1762, There was a universal 
regret, and tears streamed from the eyes of many when they saw the 
French flag, which had long waved over the town, removed from its posi- 
tion, and its place supplied by a foreign banner. It was a day of regret 
and gloom, and the future was threatening and lowering; happily the 
signs proved fallacious, for the new laws to which they were subjected 
proved to be fraught with more content and happiness to the people, than 
the code of their own country which they abandoned with so much re- 
luctance. 

It was in this year, 1770, in which ceased the French domination, 
when there was a great festival among the inhabitants of St. Louis, on 
the occasion of the consecration of their little log church, which was 
built according to the custom of the French, the logs being placed in a 
vertical position, and the interstices filled with mortar. It was built on 
the same block where the cathedral now stands, though located nearly at 
the corner of Second and Market. It was an occasion of much solemnity ; 
the inhabitants turned out en masse, and filled to overflowing the little 
building. It was the 24th of June, 1770, that this interesting event took 
place, which had been looked forward to with hope and anxiety by the 
people, who, though jovial, unlettered, and accustomed to the roughness 

certainly an error, as the first baptism that was madn in the church was in June. 1770, 
and the wife of Piernas was present on the occasion. The Spanish governor re 
maiued in St. Louis several months before he assumed the reins of government, and 
resided in the house of Laclede Liguest. 

There is another document now in the United States Recorder's office, which will set 
the matter at rest as regards dates. We give the translation : 

"To His Excellency Don Pedro Piernas, Captain of the Lifantry, and Lieutenant- 
Governor of the establishment of Illinois audits dependencies, belonging to his Catholic 
Majesty. 

" The inhabitants of St. Louis humbly pray you, that since the establishment of this 
post, there has been no survey in fact, and that all the lands which have been culti- 
vated, and which have been conceded to them, are for the most part in a state of con- 
fusion ; that they do not know the lines, and it is necessary that the lands should be 
measured and bounded by a surveyor, so that all can effectually work what belongs to 
them. 

"In consideration of these facts, may it please your Excellencj', to appoint some one 
to make a survey as soon as convenient, so as to remove all the difficulties which have 
been rife many years among neighbors. 

" Your petitioners continually pray for your prosperity. 
"St. Louis, October 7th, 177*0. 
" Laclede Liguest. L.ibuxiere. Mark ><I of Bissoinet. 

Mark 1^ of Mr. Roxdeau. Sarpy. Tallont. 

Martigny. Amable Guion. Becquet. 

CoTTE.NicOLLA Barsalous. Mark of M Deschamp. Mark M of Mr. Ridde. 

Lambert. Hubert. Hervieux." 

The reply of Piernas is as follows : — 

" In view of this request, and knowing the worth and capacity of Mr. Duralde : we 
have named and officially appoint him survej'or of this colony of Illinois, and the 
dependencies of his Catholic Majesty, for to survey, measure, and bound the lands of 
individuals who require him, and tiie fees, according to the established tax, will be 
paid him Vjy those individuals by whom he may be employed. 

"St. Louis, October 9th, 1770. " Piernas.'' 



AND HEK COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 259 

of pioneer life, yet were strict in the observance of the forms of religion, 
which, by the devoted and self-sacrificing French missionaries, had not 
only been kept in view before the inhabitants of every hamlet, but had 
been practised far in the wilderness, to turn the savages from their erratic 
faith, and induce them to worship in a Christian manner the only trne 
God of the universe. 

At this period Father Gibault owned the inhabitants of St. Louis as his 
little flock, and when he saw them gathered in the fold of the church, 
where he could more effectually teach and guard them in his spiritual 
capacity, he must have tested that ambrosial happiness which can only be 
partaken of by the pure and holy. He said mass and administered the 
Eucharist, and chanted the Te Deum and the De Profundis with a heart 
overflowing with gratitude. At the laying out of the village, Liguest re- 
served the block of ground for a church, and when the benediction had 
been pronounced, and the people dismissed to their homes, there was a 
universal satisfaction that the church had at length been completed. 



260 THE GREAT WEST 

SPANISH DOMINATION. 
OHAPTEK II. 

Pedro Piernas. — His policy. — Ills character. — His popularity. — Death of St. Ange de 
Bellerive. — His character. — His will. — Piernas ia threatened with assassination by 
an O-sage chief — Cruzat becomes Lieutenant-Ciovernor. — The American Revolution. 
— The hatred of the Spaniards to the Knglish — Smuggled goods. — Ferry across the 
Marainec — Character of Cruzat. — Don Fernando de Leyba. — Death of Pierre Laclede 
Liguest. — His appearance. — His character. — Fear of the Indians. — Attack on St. 
Louis. — L'annee da Coup. — Death of Don Fernando de Leyba. — Succeeded by Car- 
tabona. — Arrival of Cruzat — Flood of the Mississippi. — The Pirates of Grand Tower. 
— Pirates of Cottonwood Creek. — Vannee des dix, batteaux. — The danger from 
Indians. — Pain Court. — Administration of Perez — Trudeau and Delassus. — Largo 
Grants. — Fever of Speculation. — Napoleon Bonaparte. — Cession of the Province of 
Louisiana to France. — France sells it to the United States. — End of Spanish Domi- 
nation. 

When Don Pedro Piernas entered upon his duties as lieutenant-<2;over- 
nor of Upper Louisiana, lie found tliat the inhabitants were strongly 
attached to the huvs which formerly had their sway, and thougii they 
had submitted to his authority, it was evidently with reluctance ; and 
they entertained a hostility to the power which they had not the strength 
to resist. He immediately set himself to work to conciHate the people, 
and remove their prejudices. He made but little change in the existing 
government, the French and Spanish colonial laws strongly assimilating; 
and when any new regulation was introduced, it was so fraught with 
benefit to the colony, that the inhabitants, after a few months, ceased to 
regret the change of government, and were wholly disarmed of their pre- 
judices. 

Piernas had all the elements of character which suited the infant colony. 
What laws he established, he faithfully observed himself, and strictly re- 
quired their observance ; yet he was mild in his nature, and showed in 
every act that the welfare and happiness of the people were his guiding 
motives. He appointed a surveyor, so that the lines of the different 
grants could be properly determined, and whose seal wouhl be conclusive 
evidence of their boundaries. This surveyor, called Martin Duralde, was 
a Frenchman, and the appointment was unexpected and agreeable to the 
people, lie also made Louis St. Ange de Bellerive, the former com- 
mander of the fort, a captain of infantry, in the service of liis Catholic 
Majesty, and always preserved with him the most friendly relations.* He 
also, in a public manner, confirmed all of the grants made by hitn, which 
rested by a precarious tenure, having been made without any legal au- 
thority .f These acts of power, so shorn of every thing like oppression, 

* See the will of St. Ange de Bellerive, filed in the Spanish Archives at St. Louis, 
and recorded, where it is stated that he is a Spanish officer, in the service of his Cath- 
olic Majesty. 

f Livre Terrein, Book Second. This confirmation was witoessed by Laclede Liguest, 
Coudo, and others of the primitive inhabitants. 



AND HER COMMEECIAL METROPOLIS. 261 

even made him a favorite of the people, and effectually won their confi- 
dence, lie also placed Frenchmen to fill many subordinate offices, and 
soon his wise diplomatic policy put to flight every vestige of dissatisfaction. 

It was in 1V74, but a little more than three years after the commence- 
ment of the Spanish domination, that the house of Madame Chouteau, 
then situated on the block between Chesnut and Market and Main and 
Second streets, was visited with anxiety by the chief inhabitants of the 
village. St. Ange de Bellerive, the former commandant, was lyiug sick 
upon his couch, and it was evident that his life was fast waning to its 
close. lie had already passed the threescore and ten years allotted to 
man, and had drawn severely upon his constitution by the deprivation and 
suftering incident to a soldier's life in a new country. It was the twenty- 
sixth of September, 1774, that the dying soldier, surrounded by his most 
intimate friends, and in presence of the proper officers, made his last will 
and testament. He showed on his death-bed the characteristics of the 
brave soldier, joined with those of the hopeful Cliristian. Without being 
at all disturbed by his approaching dissolution, he made provision for the 
disposal of his worldly effects, and submitted his last moments to the 
guidance and teaching of his father confessor. 

Louis St. Ange de Bellerive, beside possessing in an eminent degree all 
of the qualities requisite for a distinguished officer, was one of the most 
honorable of men. His will furnishes an index to his character. After 
declaring himself a good Catholic, and commending his soul "to God, the 
blessed Virgin, and to the saints of the Celestial Court," he appoints his 
friend Pierre Laclede Liguest, the founder of St. Louis, his executor. He 
then directs that the amount of his board should be paid to Madame 
Chouteau ; that he owed for twenty-five cords of wood ; that he was in 
debt to his tailor for divers articles of clothing; and with some other 
amounts carefully mentioned, all of which debts he desired should be paid 
by his executor. Then, in accordance with his creed, he ordered masses 
to be said for the repose of his soul, and left five hundred livres to the 
church. He died universally lamented, at an advanced age, and was 
buried in the Catholic burying-ground,. with all "the pomp and circum- 
stance" suitable to a Spanish officer of high rank, and consistent with 
his former high position. ^ 

Piernas did not long remain the superior officer in Upper Louisiana, 
and was succeeded by Francisco Cruzat, in 177.5.* On the accession of 
Crnzat to power, he returned to New Orleans, beloved and regretted by 
the colony. He had married a French lady, by the name of Portneuf, 
which contributed much to his popularity. He was near being assas- 
sinated at one time, by an Indian chief of the Osage tribe, who had taken 
a strong dislike to him because he was not French, and, as is the custom 
of the Spaniards, treated the Indians with a hauteur and suspicion totally 
at variance with the familiarity of the Frenchmen. This treatment irri- 
tated the savage, and he resolved on vengeance. He came to St. Louis 
with some followers, decked in the wild attire of the savage warrior, but 
getting into a debauch the first night of his arrival, he publicly avowed 
his intention of putting his purpose in execution on the first opportunity. 

* When Galvez left New Orleans on his expedition apjainst Florida, he left Piernas 
with the powers of governor-general of Louisiana. — Gayare's Louisiana. 



262 THE GREAT "WEST 



A Shawnee chief had then come to St. Louis, on a treaty for some lands 
in the neisjhborhood of Ste. Genevieve, to which they had been invited by 
Piernas, so that they might interpose a barrier between St. Louis and the 
fierce western tribes, who had evinced a hostile disposition. The Shaw- 
nee chief, to show his friendship for Piernas, and having a far superior 
number of followers than the Osage, and also animated by a spirit of feu- 
dal enmity, drew the Osage into a quarrel and stabbed him to the heart. 
The Osage was buried on the high mound from which the present Mound 
street takes its name. It may be mentioned here, that both the Shaw- 
nees and Delawares had been invited west of the Mississippi, and a large 
grant of land offered them for acceptance. When that grant took eftect, 
we will again allude to the subject. 

When Cruzat came into power, all of the English possessions on the 
east side of the Mississippi were in a state of strong excitement. From 
the oppression of the mother country, the English colonies had deter- 
mined to free themselves; and having tried by a conciliating spirit, and 
finally by petition, to obtain those hereditary rights which had been re- 
fused them, they had at length declared their independence, and from 
Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, from the Mississippi to the Atlantic, the 
people were preparing for the contest, and all gave evidence of the 
" dreadful note of preparation." 

Since the treaty of 1763, when Spain had ceded to England all of the 
Floridas, the former power had remained dissatisfied. She had conceived 
a distrust and dislike for the English, which evinced themselves even in 
her distant possessions. In St. Louis, this distrust and dislike were also 
manifested, and a heavy embargo was laid upon English goods, which 
amounted almost to a prohibition, and created a regular system of smug- 
gling. Some of the inhabitants of St. Louis dealt largely in contraband 
goods, and in that nefarious practice added much to their commercial 
profits. These goods were chiefly brought from Cahokia. 

Cruzat was a mild and amiable governor, who, though giving no evi- 
dence of consummate ability or executive talent, nevertheless did nothing 
that was disadvantageous to the colony, and was content to let things flow 
in the healthful channels in which they had been left by his predecessor. 
He and his family were highly popular with the inhabitants, from posses- 
sing, in a great degree, a social and hospitable disposition. It was during 
his administration that a ferry was established on the Maramec, by a man 
by the name of John Baptiste Gamache.* He had a family, and during 
his first term as commandant, lost a daughter of tender age, who was buried 
in the cemetery of the church. He lived in the same residence as did 
Piernas, during the close of his administration, which was situated on the 
block corner of Main and Walnut streets ; the house was one of the first 
built in St. Louis, and which Liguest rented to the Spanish governors. 

Francisco Cruzat was succeeded in ofiice by Don Fernando de Leyba, 
in 1778, a drunken, avaricious and feeble-minded man, without possessing 
a single quality that could recommend him to the important office he lield. 

It was in the early part of his administration that news was brought 
to St. Louis, that Pierre Laclede Liguest, the founder of the growing 
town, had died, while on a visit to New Orleans, from some of the mal- 

* Private Land Claims of Missouri, page 371. 



AND HEK COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 263 

adies incident to a southern climate. He was universally regretted, and 
his large property was administered upon by Augustus Chouteau. An- 
toine Maxent, his partner, holding a high appointment in New Orleans, 
under the king of Spain, by showing claims upon Liguest for a large amount, 
got possession of his large landed and personal property, a large portion of 
which was sold for an insignificant sum at the church door, according to the 
usages of the times.* The whole square where Barnum's St. Louis Hotel 
now stands was a small portion of his large property, and was the heart 
of the little town. It was sold for three thousand dollars, Auguste Chou- 
teau being the purchaser; and some years afterward was built upon it the 
celebrated Chouteau mansion, which at one time was the palace of the 
town. The sale took place in 1779. 

Pierre Laclede Liguest was from the country Bion, in France, near the 
base of the Pyrenees, the dividing line between France and Spain. He 
was of a brave and adventurous disposition, and started from France with 
the avowed purpose of establishing a colony in the French possessions in 
America, bringing with him many followers. He was little above the 
medium size, of very dark complexion, with a large nose, expansive brow, 
and piercing and expressive eyes.f Though strictly attentive to his busi- 
ness pursuits, he was by no means of a sordid disposition, and we find 
recorded in the Archives a deed, bearing date May 12, 1768, in which 
he deeds to Madame Chouteau, a large piece of property, on the south- 
west corner of Chesnut and Main streets, where Lucas's banking-house 
was situated. The deed avows that the gift was made in consideration of 
the services rendered by Auguste Chouteau, who always acted as his 
confidential agent. A usufructuary title was only given to Madame Chou- 
teau, and after her death, it was to be divided among her five children. 
The instrument is carefully worded, and the intention of the testator is 
clearly expressed. 

Pierre Laclede Liguest died, aged fifty-four, on the Mississippi River, 
near the mouth of the Arkansas River, June 20th, 1778, and was hastily 
buried in the wild solitude of those regions, and there was no stone or 
tomb to mark the spot. The place cannot now be recognized.^ 

Directly war was declared between Great Britain and her colonies, the 
Indians were used as agents of destruction by the English, and through- 
out the whole of the western country, the colonies suft'ered all the horrors 
of savage warfare. From the circumstance of Spain sympathizing with 
the colonies, and seizing the time as auspicious for regaining the posses- 
sion of Florida, the inhabitants of St, Louis justly dreaded some attack 
from the barbarous tribes of savages by whom they were surrounded ; for 

* In the Archives he signs himself " Antonio Gilberto de Maxent, colonel of the royal 
armies, and lieutenant-governor in respect to the Indians of this province." This docu- 
ment was signed at New Orleans, and was relative to the disposal of some property 
which was owned by Liguest, then deceased. 

Besides his large landed estate, there were due to Liguest notes payable in peltry to 
nearly forty thousand dollars. "VVe arrive at this fact by seeing a discharge given 
by Maxent to Auguste Chouteau, who acted as his attorney in Upper Louisiana. 
There was evidently existing, at one time, an inventory of the personal property of the 
deceased, but it was never recorded in the Archives and the original paper has been 
abstracted from the office. 

f This description was furnished us by Madam Elizabeth Ortes, the only inhabitant 
now living in Missouri who recollects having seen the founder of St. Louis. 

X He was buried on the south bank of the Arkansas River. 



2(j-i: THE GREAT WEST 



the hunters and traders, whose pursuits carried them to the Upper Mis- 
sissippi, could sec that some mischief was brewing in the mind of the 
savages against the people of St. Louis. 

The inhabitants became alarmed, and as the town was almost defence- 
less, an effort was made to build a wall, formed of brush and clay, some 
five feet in height, encircling the town, and affording egress and ingress 
to the inhabitants by three gates stationed on the three principal thor- 
oughfares. There was but one small fort, called La Tour, which after- 
terward became the prison, and was situated on Fourth Street, near Walnut. 

The inhabitants having partially prepared themselves for an attack, 
and being kept on the qui vive for some months, and finding that no 
Indians had molested them, began to grow careless of all rumors, which 
had so long kept them in a state of alarm, and which proved to be 
nothing more than apparitions produced by the disturbing influence of 
terror. The fear of the Indians had almost prevented the cultivation of 
the crops of the preceding year, and the town was threatened almost 
with famine. The people then finding no truth in the reports which 
were continually in agitation among them, again went forth to their com- 
mon fields, as was their custom, and planted largely in the spring of 1780, 
to supply the former deficiency. 

In the mean time, the British commandant at Fort Michilimackinac 
used every effort to rouse into action the savage instincts of the Indian 
tribes of the Upper Mississippi, and at length there were more than a thou- 
sand warriors ready for the war-path. They were placed under the guidance 
of white men, who were principally French Canadians in the employment 
of the British, who, from long residence among the savages, knew how 
to operate upon their excitable temperaments. The names of the three 
principal renegade white men were Langdon, Calve, and Ducharme.* 

The 26th of May was appointed for the attack, and on the 25th the 
savages had assembled on the eastern side of the Mississippi, and, carefully 
concealing themselves during the day, awaiting the morrow, when they 
fondly hoped to destroy and pillage the town. Quenelle, one of the un- 
principled French traders who were in league with the Indians, feeling 
certain of the destruction of the village, and wishing to save the life of 
his brother, who resided in it, on the evening of the 25th of May crossed 
the Mississippi, and endeavored -to persuade his brother to accompany 
him to the east side of the river, giving him to understand that the 
people of the town would be massacred the following day. This the 
brother refused to do, and communicated the purport of the interview to 
the governor and the inhabitants ; but no one believed the truth of his 
statement, and no alarm was created. 

The 25th of May, 1780, was the feast of Corpus Christi, a day con- 
secrated by the Catholics with all the religious observances of their 
church. The little log church was decorated for the occasion, and on 
the morning of that day it was crowded by the happy villagers, in their 
best attire, to hear Father Bernard, the officiating priest. In the after- 
noon, they went in crowds to the prairie to gather strawberries, which 
had just commenced to ripen, and after the day had closed in that social 
enjoyment to which they were so much predisposed, they lay down to 
sleep, unconscious of their fate on the morrow, and the contiguity of 
their murderous foes. 

* A Frenchman by the name of Quenelle was also with the savages. 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 265 

On the 26th, when the morning star was still bright in the firmament, 
the Indians silently glided across the Mississippi, and landed where the 
city of Bremen now stands. They then took a circuitous course back of 
the town, so as to surprise the inhabitants, whom they expected to find 
■working their common fields, and near where now are the Fair Grounds, they 
came to what was called Cardinal's Spring, and surprised two Frenchmen, 
one from whom the spring took its name, and the other called Baptiste 
Riviere ; the former they killed, and the latter was taken prisoner to 
Chicago.* The savages then continued their course back of the village, 
and came suddenly upon some of the inhabitants who were working their 
crops, and commenced the attack with horrid yells, which could be heard 
over the whole village. Some forty of the inhabitants were killed before 
they could reach the village, and the cannon, which had been kept charged, 
was fired upon the savage warriors, who were in hot pursuit of the fugi- 
tives, by some of the inhabitants. The tremendous noise of the piece of 
ordnance, together with the fact of the ball striking near them and tear- 
ing up the earth in its course, arrested the progress of the savages, and 
caused them again to scamper back in their tracks. They had expected 
to surprise the town and pillage it without resistance, and the unexpected 
salute of the cannon led them to think that every preparation was made 
for their coming; and in the quick time of Indian retreat, they again got 
in their canoes, crossed the Mississippi, carrying with them some twelve 
or fourteen prisoners. ^ 

There is no question, but had the Indians shown even an ordinary 
amount of courage, that St. Louis could easily have been taken. That 
some of the inhabitants evinced courage it is true, but it is also true that 
there were but little more than a hundred fighting men in the whole vil- 
lage, and with the exception of a few choice spirits, the villagers were 
nearly frightened out of their wits. Don Fernando de Leybf., the gov- 
ernor, had locked himself in his house, and his lieutenant, Silvio Francisco 
Cartabona, and his soldiers, had, like frightened sheep, placed themselves 
in the upper part of the tower. So greatly friglitened were the villagers, 
that it was many days before they dai*ed to venture out of their enclos- 
ures ; and, indeed, for some time they deserted their cabins, and assembled 
in the houses of the Spanish commandant, Madame Chouteau, and the 
other stone houses of the village, as afi'ording more security in case of 
another attack. 

The Indians, on this occasion, terribly mutilated the bodies of their 
victims, and had they not been frightened into a retreat, they would have 
left a bloody page for the historian to record. They recrossed the river, 
and soon after dispersed and joined their respective tribes. 

Some authors contend that the appearance of General Clark across the 
river caused them to evacuate the country, but he was not near St. Louis 
at the time, and it is probable that the savages, once frightened by the 
discharge of artillery, did not recover from their fright. They had been 
taught to believe that there would be an effectual surprise, and seeing a 
battery opened upon them, they became disheartened. The prisoners 



* See in Hunt's Minutes, filed in the United States Recorder's office, a statement 
made by John Baptiste Riviere, relative to some property, in which he gives an ac- 
count ol his capture by the Indians when they attacked St. Louis. 



266 THE, GREAT WEST 



that were taken, all, in some years afterwards returned to their homes 
after the peace was made in 1783, when they were released.* 

In Hunt's Minutes, kept in the United States Recorder's oflBce, there 
is the evidence of Baptiste Riviere, dit Baccane, that he was taken 
prisoner and carried to Chicago, from which he subsequently escaped. 
They were all treated cruelly by their Indian captors, and made to carry 
the heaviest burdens almost in a state of nudity, and, on wincing from any 
signs of fatigue, were whipped as lazy beasts, and kept in a half-famished 
state. Only one of the white men who accompanied the Indians was en- 
gaged in the attack ; they stopped on the island in the Mississippi, where 
they crossed, awaiting probably until the slaughter was over, which, 
treacherous as they were, they did not wish to witness. 

The register in the cathedral contains the following record : " In the 

* We here append the statements of several authors, regarding this attack: — 
"While the Spaniards were aiming at the possession of West Florida, the English en- 
deavored to divert theirattention to another quarter. The commandant of Michilimackinac 
in 1780, assembled about fifteen hundred Indians, and one hundred and forty English, 
and attempted the reduction of St. Louis, the capital of Upper Louisiana. During the 
short time they were before that town, sixty of the inhabitants were killed, and thirty 
taken prisoners. Fortunately for them, general Clark was on the opposite side of the 
Mississippi with a considerable force. On his appearance at St. Louis with a strong 
detachment, the Indians were amazed. They had no disposition to quarrel with any 
other than the Louisianians, and charged the P^nglish with deception. In tine, as the 
jealousy of the Indians was excited, the English trembled for their safety, and there- 
fore secretly abandoned their auxiliaries, and made the best of their way into Canada. 
The Indians then retired to their homes in peace. This expedition, as appears, was 
not sanctioned by tlie English court, and the private property of the commandant was 
seized to pay the expenses of it; most likely because it proved unfortunate." — Stod- 
dard's LOUISI.^NA. 

"In 1780, on the 6th May, as I discover by the papers of the late Colonel Auguste 
Chouteau, intrusted to me by the family (though some writers assign the year 1778), 
St. Louis was attacked by a party of Indians and British, who had been ordered to 
take possession of the town on the west side of the Mississippi, iu consequence of the 
part which Spain had taken in favor of the independence of the United States. The 
French, who had preserved a good understanding with all the Indian nations, very 
little expected this blow, and were not prepared to resist it. The garri.son consisted 
of only fifty to sixty men, commanded by a certain Captain Lebas, (a Spaniard, and 
not a Frenchman, as his name might lead one to suppo.se). But, whatsoever his origin, 
he deserves nothing but public contempt. This Lebas, during the first three years 
that the Spaniards occupied the country, had commanded a small fort somewhere to- 
ward the mouth of the Missouri — perhaps at Belle Fontaine — and afterward received 
the command of St. Louis, as a successor to Cruzat, who himself had succeeded Piernaz. 
The only means of defence for the place, at that time, was a stone tower erected near 
the village on the bank of the Mississippi, and some weak palisades. Tliere were not 
more than one hundred and fifty males in the place, of whom not more than .seventy 
could be relied upon as efficient to repel an enemy numbering, according to the best 
authorities, nine imndred combatants ; though, by some, their number is represented 
to have been from one thousand four hundred to one tliousand five hundred. It would 
have been u.seless to propose a capitulation, tlie conditions of which the Indians (as 
has been unfortunately too often experienced), either from ignorance or treachery, 
ne^'er fulfil ; and the inhabitants knew too well the character of those with whom they 
had to deal, to expect salvation in any thing but a courageous resistance. The women 
and children, who could not take part in the defence, took shelter in the house of 
Auguste Chouteau; whilst all those, both men and women, who were within the 
palisades, commenced so vigorous a resistance, that the enemy was forced to retreat. 
But these, with characteristic ferocitj', threw themselves upon those of the inhabitants 
who, engaged in the cultivation of their fields, had not had time to reach the palisades; 
and it is said tliat sixty were killed, and thirteen made prisoners." — Nicolet's Reports. 




^s^^ 



ST. LOUIS HIGH SCHOOL. 

Corner of Olive and 15th Streets. 

Calvin S. Pennell, Principal. 




PIRST CONGREGATION CHURCH. 

Corneftof 10th and Locust Streets. 

Truman M. Post, D. D., Pastor. 



AND HER COaniEKCIAL JSIETROPOLIS. 267 

year 1780, 26th of May, I, Capuchin priest and apostolic missionarj', 
have buried in the cemetery of this parish the bodies of Charles Biset, of 
Aimable Guion, of the son of Calve, and of a negro of Chancelier, killed 
by the savages. In faith of which, I have signed the day and year as 
above. — F. Bernard." Many other bodies were found afterward and inter- 
red where they were found, as decomposition had taken place, it being 
very warm weather. The year in wliich this attack was made, was ever 
afterward called Uanme du coup (the year of the blow). 

The opinion has been advanced by many, that the governor, Don Fer- 
nando de Leyba, had an understanding with the English, and for some 
stipulated sum had agreed to let the savages surprise the town. Certain 
it was, that he had sold most of the powder belonging to the garrisons 
to some traders just before the attack, and used no reasonable precautions 
to prevent surprise; but, on the contrary, always repelled any idea of an 
attack on the town as an impossible event. These were ominous signs, and 
appeared to carry with them the dark burden of guilt; but these circum- 
stances are only suggestive proofs against him. The positive proof is 
wanting. On the other hand, he was very feeble in health, and addicted 
to dissipation in so great a degree as to stupefy his understanding. One 
or both of these causes might account for his inaction, and why lie did not 
make reasonable preparations for an attack which had been threatened for 
so long a period. His sordid natnre furnishes a motive for the sale of 
the powder. Be the facts what they may, there were suspicions afloat 
which have attached the foulest stigma to his name and blasted it for- 
ever. He died a little more than a month after the attack — some say by 
poison administered by himself. In the register of the Catholic church, 
we find the two following notices of burial: ''In the year 1779, Sep- 
tember 7th, I, Capuchin priest, missionary, and apostolic curate of St. 
Louis, have buried in the cemetery of this church opposite the balustrade 
to the right, the body of the Lady Marie de la Conceptione y Zezar, wife 
of Don Fernando de Leyba, commandant of this post, captain of infantry, 
and have administered the sacraments of penitence and extreme unction. 
In faith of which, I have signed the day and year as above. 

" F. Bernard." 
"In the year 1780, on the 28th of June, I, a Capuchin priest and apos- 
tolic missionary, curate of St. Louis, Illinois county, province of Louisiana, 
bishopric of Cuba, have buried in this church, immediately opposite the 
balustrade on the right, the body of Don Fernando de Leyba, captain of 
infantry in the battalion of Louisiana, and the commandant of this post, 
having received all the sacrainents of our mother, the Holy Church. In 
testimony whereof, I have signed this present the day and year aforesaid. 

"f F. Bernard, Miss." 
After the death of Fernando de Leyba, his lieutenant, Silvio Francisco 
Cartabona, exercised the functions of lieutenant-governor until the arrival 
of Cruzat, who had again been appointed commandant at St. Louis, and 
then the town, which had so narrowly escaped the attack of the Indians, 
was regularly fortified. A reference to the map attached" to this work 
will show the course of this wall, which was a strong stockade of posts, 
with forts and bastions at proper intervals. However, the efficiency of 
these fortifications was never tested; for after the treaty of 1783, the 
savages, though often alarming the inhabitants by attacking some of the 
10 



268 THE GREAT WEST 



isolated settleincnts that were forming in the Missouri, never attempted 
another attack upon St. Louis. ^ 

During Cruzat's s(;cond administration, there occurred the only murder 
that ever took place either during the French or Spanish domination. 
One of the soldiers of the garrison, in a paroxysm of rage, stablted another 
to the heart, and was immediately ironed and sent to New Orleans. 

Though St. Louis was no more disturbed by the savages, yet its com- 
merce was very much damaged by a nest of pirates who used to station 
themselves at the (irand Tower, a large column of rock fifty feet in height, 
and situated nearly half way between St. Louis and the mouth of the 
Ohio. Before the propelling power of steam navigation became known, 
the current of the Mississippi was so swift about the tower, that the voy- 
agers were compelled to go in a<lvance of their boats and draw them by 
ropes close along the banks of the river. The pirates, who would be 
lurking nearthe tower, would suddenly attack them when off their guard, 
take the merchandise, and nevei" spared any one to tell the tale. 

The pirates consisted of lawless white men, runaway negroes, and half- 
blooded Indians. They became the terror of the Mississippi, and the 
foulest murders were committed by them for a scries of years, until no 
single boat dared venture by that fatal place, where it was certain that 
the voyagers would have to run the gauntlet. It was necessary that sev- 
eral boats should associate together for protection, which course was pur- 
sued until the country began to fill up by the hardy pioneers, :ind an 
attack made by a well-organized band of voyagers induced the gang to 
disperse, and left the river free from molestation. The many murders 
that have been committed at the Grand Tower has given birth to many 
a wild legend of rapine and bloodshed. 

In the early part of the summer of 1785, the inhabitants of St. Louis 
had a fright even greater than that they had received from the savages 
during IJannve du coup. The Mississippi rose to such a height as to 
threaten to inundate the town and sweep it from existence. The whole 
American Bottom was a sea; Cahokia and Kaskaskia were surrounded by 
the angry waters; and a large quantity of grain and stock were swept 
away. Nearly all of the town was then situated on Main street, and 
when the waters rose above the bluff banks of the river, there commenced 
a scene of apprehension and terror that were more than painful from their 
duration. Just as the inhabitants were on the eve of removing what was 
valuable in their little dwellings, the river commenced to subside, relieving 
them from imminent danger ami the agony of uncertainty. This was an 
event sufficient to form an era in the epoch of the times, and the year was 
denominated JJannee des r/rands enux (the year of the great waters). 

From the Illinois Monthly Magazine, an excellent periodical in exist- 
ence many years ago, we make the following extract of an artit'le con- 
tributed by Wilson Prim, Esq., whose ancestors were at the laying out 
of the city of St. Louis. It speaks of a band of pirates located at Cotton- 
woo<l Creek, commanded by two men named Culbert and Magilbray. 

"In the spring of 1787, a barge belonging to Mr. Beausoliel had started 
from New Orleans, richly laden with merchandise, for St. Louis. As she 
approached Cottonwood Creek, a breeze sprang up and bore it swiftly by. 
This the robbers perceived, and immediately dispatched a company of 
men up the river for the purpose of heading. The manoeuvre was effected 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 269 

in the course of two days, at an island which has since been called Boau- 
soliel's Island. The barge had just put ashore — the robbers boarded and 
ordered the crew to return down. The men were disarmed, guards were 
stationed in every part of the vessel, and she was soon under way. Mr. 
Beausoliel gave himself up to despair, lie had all he possessed in the 
purchase of the barge and its cargo, and now that he was to be deprived 
of them all, he was in agony. Tliis vessel would have sliared the fate of 
many others that had preceded it, but for the heroic daring of a negro, 
who was one of the crew. Casotte, the negro, was a man rather under 
the ordinary height, very slender in person, but of extraordinary strength 
and activity. The color of his skin and the curl of his hair, alone told 
that he was a negro ; for the peculiar characteristics of his race had given 
place in him to what may be termed beauty, llis forehead was finely 
moulded; his eyes small and sparkling as those of a serpent; his nose 
aquiline ; his lips of a proper thickness ; in fact, the whole appearance of 
the man, joined to his known character for shrewdness and courage, 
seemed to indicate that, under better circumstances, he might have shone 
conspicuously in the history of nations. Casotte, as soon as the robbers 
had taken possession of the barge, began to make every demonstration of 
uncontrollable joy. lie danced, sang, laughed, and soon induced his 
captors to believe that they had delivered him from irksome slavery, and 
that his actions were the ebullitions of pleasure, llis constant attention, 
too, to their smallest wants and wishes, won their confidence ; and whilst 
they kept a watchful eye on the other prisoners, they permitted him to 
roam through the vessel unmolested and unwatched. This was the state 
of things that the negro desired ; he seized the first opportunity to speak 
to Mr. Beausoliel, and beg permission to rid him of his dangerous intrud- 
ers. He laid his plan before his master, who, after a great deal of hesita- 
tion, acceded to it. Casotte then spoke to two of the crew, likewise 
negroes, and engaged them in the conspiracy. Casotte was cook, and 
it was agreed between him and his fellow-conspirators that the signal for 
dinner should be the signal for action. The hour of dinner at length 
arrived. The robbers assembled in considerable numbers on the deck, 
and stationed themselves at the bow and stern and along the sides, to 
prevent any rising of the men. Casotte went among them with the 
most unconscious look and demeanor imaginable. As soon as lie per- 
ceived that his coiiu'ades had taken the stations he had assigned to them, 
he took his position at the bow of the boat, near one of the robbers, a 
stout, herculean man, who was armed cap-a-pie. Every thing being ar- 
ranged to his satisfaction, Casotte gave the preconcerted signal, and 
immediately the robber near him was struggling in the waters. With 
the speed of lightning he went from one robber to another, and in less 
than three minutes he liad thrown fourteen oi them overboard. Then 
seizing an oar, he struck on the head those who attempted to save them- 
selves by grappling the running boards — then shot with the muskets that 
had been dropped on deck, those who swam away. In the mean time, 
the other conspirators were not idle, but did almost as much execution 
as their leader. The deck was soon cleared, and the robbers that re- 
mained below were too few in number to otter any resistance. 

"Having got rid of his troublesome visitors, Mr. Beausoliel deemed it 
prudent to return to New Orleans. This he accordingly did, taking care, 



270 THE GREAT WEST 

when he arrived near Cottonwood Creek, to keep the opposite side of the 
river. He reached New Orleans, and gave an account of his capture and 
liberation to the fjovernor, who thereupon issued an order that the boats 
bound for St. Louis in the following spring should all go in company, to 
afford mutual assistance in case of necessity. Spring came, and ten keel 
boats, each provided with swivels, and their respective crews well armed, 
took their departure from New Orleans, determined, if possible, to destroy 
most of the robbers. When they neared the Cottonwood Creek, the 
foremost boat perceived several men near the mouth, among the trees. 
The anchor was dropped, and she waited until the other boats should 
come up. In a few moments they appeared, and a consultation was held, 
in which it was determined that a sufficient number of men should re- 
main on board whilst the others should proceed on shore to attack the 
robbers. The boats were rowed to shore in a line, and those appointed 
for that purpose landed and began to search the island in quest of the 
robbers, in vain. They had disappeared. Three or four flat-boats were 
found in the bend of the creek, laden with all kinds of valuable merchan- 
dise — the fruits of their depredations. A long, low hut was discovered — 
the dwelling of the robbers — in which were stowed away numerous cases 
of guns destined for the fur trade, and ammunition and provisions of all 
kinds. The greater part of these things were put on board the boats, and 
restored to their respective owners, in St. Louis. 

"This proceeding had the effect of dispersing the robbers, for they 
were never after heard of. The arrival of ten bjirges together at St. Louis 
was an unusual spectacle, and the year 1788 has ever since been called 
L'annee des dix bakaux (the year of the ten boats)." 

The Mississippi, at that time, flowed through a vast solitude, which 
afforded an opportunity for banditti to exercise their unlawful propensities 
almost with impunity. There were but few forts from St. Louis to New 
Orleans, and these were so far asunder, that they offered but little pro- 
tection to the commerce between the capitals of Upper and Lower Louis- 
iana. It was at long intervals that the boats ran between the two places, 
and they were usually richly freighted, and offered strong inducements to 
the freebooters who infested the most secluded solitudes of the river, 
watching, like cormorants, the appearance of their prey. There was 
manv a death-struggle on the bosom of the Mississippi, many a fruitless 
appeal to mercy, and many a death-shriek of torture, as the rifle, the 
knife, and the tomahawk did their murderous work. When all was 
done, plash ! plash ! were the signs that a watery sepulchre had received 
the bodies of the victims. 

In the year 1788, the authority of Francisco Cruzat ceased, and Manuel 
Perez became commandant-general of the post of St. Louis, of the west 
Illinois country. It was during this time that the friendly relations, subsist- 
ing since the Revolution, between the east and west sides of the Mississippi 
were materially interrupted, by the'Spanish government laying claim to 
the exclusive right of the navigation of the river. New Orleans and 
Mobile had heretofore been the chief markets for all the grain raised in 
the fertile regions of the Wabash and the bottoms of the Ohio, and the 
claims of Spain engendered bitter feelings of discontent throughout a 
most extensive region, and fast filling up with an industrious and thrifty 
population. It is not the province of this work to enter into a history of 



AND HEK COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 271 

the intrigues carried on by the Spanish governor at New Orleans with 
some of tlie leading citizens in the South and West of the Union, in which 
was implicated an officer of high military rank, who, for his friendly 
feelings toward his Catholic Majesty, had received the privilege of navi- 
gating the Mississippi, his goods free of duty; but only to show the 
cause why the Americans on the eastern bank of the Mississippi, who had 
always been most cordial with the inhabitants of St. Louis, should ex- 
hibit a subsequent coolness. However, the French, who chiefly occupied 
the region west of the Mississippi in the vicinity of St. Louis, were but 
little affected by the quarrel between the two nations, and continued to 
visit their friends and relations in the towns on the west side as 
before. 

At this time St. Louis went by the name of Fain Court. This name 
originated from the circumstance of there always being a dearth of the 
" staff of life " in the early existence of the town, and hunters and traders 
who came from the neighborhood of the Wabash, wishing to replenish 
their stock of provisions, in making their purchase would remark the 
short allowance of bread they obtained for tlieir money, and in revenge 
for the dearness of the article, conferred upon the town the sobriquet of 
Pain Court (short of bread). 

St. Louis had rapidly increased in population, and in 1788 it and the 
adjoining villages contained eleven hundred and ninety-seven inhabitants, 
this without including St. Genevieve, which had grown likewise apace, and 
contained a population exceeding eight hundred. Pain Court then con- 
tained no tavern. There was no need of that institution — that mockery 
of a home which so often irritates the traveller with its pretended com- 
forts, which it sells out at such extortionate rates. All of the little huts 
and more comfortable buildings were the abodes of hospitality. In Pain 
Court, the stranger would receive a shelter, and the pilgrim could rest 
from his wanderings without any remuneration. The desire of gain had 
not then chilled the warm gush of feeling which naturally flows from the 
heart of every individual, unless acted upon by the cold atmosphere of 
selfish considerations. 

The Indians, though they made no direct attack upon St. Louis, fre- 
quently would come down the Missouri in small war-parties, and lurk 
about the neighborhood, and, if an opportunity offered, would take pris- 
soner, or more frequently, kill any of the inhabitants who had indis- 
creetly wandered too far from the town. One of the inhabitants by the 
name of Duchouquet, whilst alone in the neighborhood now known as 
Chouteau's Pond, was set upon by a party of Delaware Indians, called by 
the French Les Loups (wolves), and immediately murdered and scalped. 
His brother was some distance fiom him, and seeing the Indians, escaped 
to the village with the news, and a company of soldiers started in imme- 
diate pursuit, under an officer by th(^name of Tayon. By taking a cir- 
cuitous route, they came unexpectedly upon the party of Indians, and 
Francis Duchouquet singling out the Indian who had killed his brother, 
and whose dripping scalp-lock was hanging to his belt, brought him to 
the ground with his rifle, the ball taking effect in his thigh. He rushed 
upon the savage with the intention of stabbing him to the heart, but 
seeing him prostrate upon the ground and writhing in pain, he declared 
to a friend afterward " that he could not do it." However, he was dis- 



272 THE GREAT WEST 



patched by the sold ers, whose feelings were not so sensitive. Four more 
of the savages were killed in the pursuit.* 

It was the policy of the Spanish government to encourage, as much as 
possible, emigration from the United States, and they offered the most 
liberal grants of land to induce the industrious and enterprising Americans 
to immigrate to the country west of the Mississippi. However, all of 
their liberal inducements were vain, and no Americans took up their res- 
idence in St. Louis or any of the adjoining villages until nearly the close 
of the Spanish domination. This arose in part from the ditiiculties exist- 
ing at the time between Spain and the United States relative to the navi- 
gation of the Mississippi, and partly to the natural dislike of a people just 
freed from monarchical oppression, and enjoying the first fruits of liberty, 
to enter again under the s\ib)ection of any government that was not 
organized on the same broad basis of freedom as marked their own. 
There was, nevertheless, a considerable emigration from Canada, the east 
of the Mississippi, and New Orleans; and St. Louis continued to increase. 
Her traders and hunters were venturesome and enterprising, going far up 
the Missouri, and dwelling with tlie fierce tribes of Indians who dwelt 
upon their banks. Many of them paid with their lives the price of their 
temerity, and in some fitful mood of the savages, were cleaved with the 
tomahawk, or still more horrible, were impaled and burnt at the stake. 
These dreadful occurrences were not frequent, as the Indians found that 
such acts would keep the whites altogether away from their countrv, and 
the goods which they first looked upon with curiosity and esteemed as 
luxuries, after a few years became a necessity, and almost essential to 
their existence. Unfortunately, the habiliments of civilization had for 
them all the poisonous qualities of the shirt of Ncssus — they brought suf- 
fering, decay, and death. 

The trade of St. Louis was much interrupted when war existed between 
Spain and England, contemporary with our Revolution, as wealthy mer- 
chants from Canada were accustomed to come west to purchase furs and 
peltries for the European market. When peace was declared, in 1783, 
between the three powers — United States, Spain, and England — the trade 
with Canada, which had been suspended, was again resumed, and the 
traders at St. Louis had another market than New Orleans, and received 
better pay for their goods. 

The administration of Perez was a prosperous one. He was mild in 
his authority, and of a frank and sociable disposition, very much resem- 
bling that of liis predecessor. He mingled freely with the inhabitants; 
with his family attended the festive gatherings; and in the convivial hour 
threw off" all of the austerity of the commandant. The surveys had much 
increased during his administration, and he performed one of those 
diplomatic feats which great minds alone can conceive and accomplish. 
The Osage Indians, a powerful tribj; up the Missouri, had been always 
most troublesome neighbors, and at every opportune moment would 
make a descent upon the inhabitants on the outskirts of St. Louis or 
some of the adjoining villages, murder or take off some of them prisoners 
who inconsiderately had wandered too far from the towns, and drive off' 
any cattle and horses which had strayed at a distance on the prairie. As 

* Hunt's Minutes. 



AND HER COMMEKCIAL METROPOLIS. 273 

when the fire ravages tlie prairie, it is found best to stay its course by 
opposing tlames in a contrary direction, so Perez resolved to stop savage 
ferocity by staking against it some barbarous native force, as a protec- 
tion to his own settlement. He therefore sent emissaries to the Shaw- 
nees and Delawares, two powerful tribes east of the Mississippi, who 
smoked with them the calumet, and offered them, a large grant of land in 
the neighborhood of Cape Girardeau. This invitation many of the Shaw- 
nees and Delawares accepted, and settled in the neighborhood of Cape 
Girardeau, when they resisted the incursions, in a great degree, of other 
tribes, and afforded much protection to the infant settlements. It was 
through the agency of a man by the name of Lorimer, who afterward 
became the commandant at the post of St. Genevieve, that the Indians 
were induced to come west of the Mississippi, and as a reward for his 
services, he afterward obtained a grant of thirty thousand acres of 
land. ® 

Perez was succeeded by Zenon Trudeau, in 1793, who, from the mild- 
ness of his disposition and his affable manner, became very popular with 
the people. He did all that he could to encourage immigration, and for 
that reason the grants became more liberal in extent, and the surveys 
were extended far to the westward. The communication between St. 
Louis and New Orleans had become much more frequent, and St. Louis 
became the abode of many prosperous merchants. There were noble 
cavaliers, who had been ostracized by their governments for political 
offences, and many from a love of adventure sought the growing town on 
tlie west hank of the Mississippi, and forgetting the pride of birth, put 
themselves on an equal footing with the happy, light-hearted inhabitants, 
adopting their habits and mingling in their amusements. Some of them 
would go far up the Missouri, and live with the savage tribes who inhab- 
ited those regions, and so effectually identifying themselves with some 
favorite tribe, that they fought their battles with other hostile nations, 
and being skilful in the use of the destructive arms of civilized warfare, 
became great warriors, and finally chiefs of the tribes. The Indians 
had always a predilection for the whites whenever they would wil- 
lingly adopt their customs, and one of their favorite feats was to lurk in 
the neighborhood of the settlements and steal a child, and hurry it to 
their homes in the forest. If the child proved a boy, after washing him 
a multitude of times, and, as they supposed, washing away all of its 
white nature, they would commence training him in their tactics to make 
him a great warrior, and after a few years the child would become like 
his savage associates, with the same barbarous instincts, love of forest life, 
and a darling desire for the fame of a savage warrior. 

During the time that Zenon Trudeau was commandant, St. Louis and 
the adjoining villages having considerably increased, there became much 
less fear of the Indians, and the white men pushed farther into the wil- 
derness. The surveys became much larger, and the extraordinary terms 
held out to settlers by conferring upon them large grants of lands, induced 
many citizens of the United States to cross the Mississippi and take up 
their residence on the Spanish domain. Business, in all its different 
amitications, became more extended; the log- huts were being replaced 
with neat one-story cottages, with piazzas in front and rear; and every 
thing indicated increasing thrift and prosperity. Still there was but little 



274 THE GREAT WEST 



attention paid to agriculture, and the great emulation among the trading 
inhabitants was to engross the greatest amount of Indian trade. This 
trade- was principally carried on up the Missouri River and its tributaries, 
as the Upper Mississippi was monopolized principally by traders from 
Canada. So fond did those persons become of living with the Indians, 
after pursuing tliat life for a little time, that they no more relished the 
habits and customs of civilized cjmmunities; and when by business 
forced into the pale of civilization, they became restless and discontented, 
and loncjed for their tawny friends, their wigwam hardships, and the un- 
restrained liberty of forest life. 80 perfectly Indianized did some of them 
become, that when, by controlling circumstances, they were compelled to 
live in the atmosphere of civilization, they drooped languished, and 
finally died, for the want of that wild excitement which, had become part 
of their existence. 

Some of the traders who went up the Missouri with goods, and re- 
turned when the exchange for peltries was effected, would bring Indian 
boys and attempt to raise them in their families ; but every etibrt was 
unsuccessful. Some would escape, others would die, and others would 
again be returned to their tribes as incorrigible, after vain etiorts had 
been made to induce them to become attached to the amenities of life, 
and become useful workers in the busy hive of a civilized community. 

The Indians cannot exist with the white men. They were not formed 
by nature to subserve the purposes of civilization. They were made for 
the forest: their existence was identified with the trees, and when the 
axe did its work of destruction, it severed likewise the threads of savage 
life. Like the enchanted wood of Tasso, when a tree was felled a life was 
•destroyed. Another century will pass, and the old forests and American 
Indians will have passed away together. 

Like most of the Spanish commandants, Trudeau was of an amiable 
temperament and mild in authority. His family mingled freely with the 
natives, nor did he or they preserve any exterior emblem of position and 
importance, but associated with the citizens on terms of perfect equality. 
His administration was a popular one, and when he retired from the office 
of commandant, it was universally regretted. This popular commanJant 
died some years afterward in New Orleans. 

Trudeau was succeeded by Charles Dehault Delassus de Delusiore, in 
1798 — a Frenchman by birth, but long in the Spanish service. For some 
years previously, he had been commandant of the post of New Madrid, and 
having given such satisfaction in his executive office, he was promoted to 
lieutenant-governor of Upper Louisiana. He was at this time unmar- 
ried, and being of a social disposition, untainted and unspoiled by the 
rays of authority, he became the favorite of the ambitious fair ones of the 
city, and " the observed of all observers" in the ball-room. His first act 
on coming into power, was to have the census taken of Upper Louisiana, 
which exhibited the following result : — 



1785.— St. Louis .and villages 897 

" St. Genevieve ; 594 

1788. — St. Louis and villages 1,197 

St. Genevieve : 896 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 275 

1799.— St. Louis 925 

" Carondelet 184 

" St. Charles 875 

" St. Feinaiido 276 

" Maiiiis lies Liaid 376 

" Maraineo 115 

" St. Andrew 393 

" St. (Jeiievieve 949 

" New Bourbon 560 

" Cape Girardeau 521 

" New Madrid 782 

" Little Meadows 72 



6,028 

Whites 4,948 

Free colored 197 

Slaves 883 



So great did the immigration become, that the frenzied feeling of specu- 
lation commenced to seize upon the settlers, and they used every possible 
device to get as many and as large grants of land, vvhicli they knew would 
rapidly enhance in value, and which, in a. short time, they could sell at a 
rcmiitierative value. It was not the healthful spirit of industry which 
caused them to solicit grants; the exciting fever of speculation had begun 
to r;ige in their veins, and they were anxious for land — not for grazing or 
agricultural purposes, but that they might sell it, and by the sale realize 
enormous profits. These grants grew very excessive, and we will mention 
a few to give an idea of their extent. James Mackay, who was once a 
Spanish officer in command of St. Charles, applied to Delassus for a grant 
of 30,000 acres of land, alleging in his petition that he had been a Span- 
ish commandant, had been faithful in the discharge of his duties, and had 
received no compensation for his services. In consideration of these facts, 
the lieutenant-governor graciously granted him the lands. Francis 
Savier obtained a grant of 8,800 acres for nearly the same reasons, and 
Maturin Bouvet obtained a grant of twenty arpents square because he had 
been robbed of a few inconsiderable articles by the Indians while working 
a saline (salt-pit). There were many grants of the .same nature, conferred 
with the same extravagant liberality on the slightest pretexts. There was 
one grant petitioned for and received, the petitioner alleging that himself 
and hrother had never neglected to give proof of their zeal to the Spanish 
government, and being engaged extensively in the Indian trade, they had, 
on all occasions, made efforts to conciliate the tribes, and make them sub- 
servient to the Spanish government. He obtained the land. 

From the Mississippi to New Mexico, the country was a wilderness, and 
consequently a part of the royal domain, and a few thousand acres' grant 
when they had such an extent to draw upon, appeared like taking a grain 
of sand from the .sea-shore, and the Spanish commandants were not at all 
economical in their distribution, because there was no necessity. In 
the following chapter, the subject of grants will be more fully treated 
upon. 

Under Delassus, there were two large grants of land for distillery pur- 
poses, and then an additional grant to furnish a sufficient supply of fuel 
for distilling grain; and after that time there was no more whiskey im- 



276 THIC GKKAT WEST 

ported into the province of Upper Louisiana.* From that day to this, St. 
Louis has had a plentiful supply of the poisonous fluid; only now, from 
its peculiar manufacture, it is much cheaper and more deadly. As the 
arts and sciences have advanced, the ability to do good and harm in- 
creases in equal ratio. 

During the year ISOO, events were taking place in Europe of such 
niao-nitude that they were doomed to have a most important influence 
over the political currents of America. With the iron hand of power and 
a wily diplomatic policy. Napoleon Bonaparte had forced Spain into a 
treaty", by which she ceded to France all of her territory known as Loui- 
siana west of the Mississippi, in consideration that the Prince of Parma, 
who was son-in-law to the king of Spain, should be established in 
Tuscany. 

This treaty was very dissatisfactory to England, as she was jealous of 
tlie grt)\vino- power of France under the auspices of that splendid genius 
which proved both her glory and dosvnfall. The mistress of the seas 
determined that France should never take possession of her acquired 
regions, and for that purpose kept the coast of France under surveillance, 
so as to prevent any departure of troo]>s for America. Napolei>n saw 
that it was folly to attempt coping with the maritime power of England, 
which, when he was in Egypt, had nearly swept from existence the navy 
of France, and through the sagacious Talleyrand, determined to sell to 
the United States the property which controlling circumstances prevented 
him from occupying. Mr. Livingston was at that time the minister- 
plenipotentiary of the United States to France, and seeing the desire of 
the Frendi government, he obtained the sanction of Mr. Jetl'erson, then 
President, to purchase the country which the marine power of Eng- 
land and al)sorbing events in Europe prevented France from occupying. 

Mr. Livingston was a diplomat of the first water, but he had the }uince 
of diplomatists to cope with in the persons of Talleyrand and Marbois, and it 
wasthouiiht advisable by Mr.Jetierson to dispatch Mr. Munroe to Paris as 
an auxiliary in effecting the purchase of Upper Louisiana. After some 
masterly moves on both sides on the political chess-board, the sale was 
effected, the United States agreeing to pay 00,000,000 francs for the 
extensive province, and assuming a debt of 20,000,000 more, owing by 
France by way of indemnity to American citizens for maritime spoliation. 
The treaty was concluded on the 30th of April, 180;i, and signed on the 
3d of May. 

While the purchase of Louisiana was pending between France and the 
United States, in consequence of the large nund)er of grant-s the surveys 
had been extended far into the wilderness, and in consequence, the sur- 
veyors and their attaches were exposed to the attacks of hostile Indiatis. 
One of the deputy surveyors, by the name of P>ouvet, whilst surveying a 
piece of land west of St. Genevieve, was taken prisoner by a band of 
Osage Indians, and after being subjected to the torture, was burned at the 
stake. There were numerous murders committed by that savage tribe, 
who wa-tched every occasion to attack isolated detachments of the whites 
when at a distance from the forts. There was no redress for these murders, 

* One ef tliese grants was to Colonel Auguste Chouteau, who built the first distil- 
lery iu St. Louis. 



AND IIEK COMMERCIAL MBTE0P0LT8. 277 



for iinnnr'<liHt(;Iy they had p(Mf'orrii(;d tlicir hloody work, the Indians would 
retreat to their own country through more than a hundred miles of wil- 
derness, which the whit<;8 could not muster a sulKcient number of troops 
to invade. 'J'Ih! only safety for the inhabitants was to keep near th(;ir 
forts, to which they could retreat at the first warnini^ ofdanj^er, and could 
render effectual assistance to each other. At this time (from 1800 to 
180-'}) there was much excitement re<;ardinfj the great mineral region in 
southern Missouri ; and so as to locate their grants upon what was thought 
to be the iTiost profitable part of the royal domain, iIk; iidiabitaiits, insti- 
gati'd by cupidity, often fdl victims to the tomahawk and ritle of the 
savages, whilst straying too remote from the settlements. 

Alter the conclusion of the treaty for the purchase of Louisiana, Napo- 
leon gave utteraiict; to these remarkabh; words, in converHation to one of 
his ministers: "This accession of territory strengthens foniver the power 
of the United States ; and I have given to England a maritime rival, that 
will sooner or later humble her pride." 

To this treaty the Spanish government at first protested, saying that 
France had no right to retrocede the province which she had so recently 
acfpiired, and which had been ceded to her with the condition that she 
should not again dispose of it. However, this puerile demonstration was 
disregarded both by France and the Utiited States, and on tluj 'JOth of 
December, 1803, M. Laussat, the French commissioner, delivered the 
province of Louisiana and its dependencies to Governor Claibourne and 
General Wilkinson, comniissioners of the United States. 

Though this public surrender of the province of Louisiana comprised all 
of the territory and every locality, and at once gave the ljtiit(;d States a 
recognized dominion over it; yet it was thought proper that a formal sur- 
rendiT shouhl be made of the province of U[)per liouisiana, of which St. 
Louis was the capital and the residence; of the Spanish lieutenant-governors, 
as it was such a vast distance from New (Orleans, which was the capital 
of the province and where the transfer had been effc'cted. For this |)iir- 
pose. Major Stoddard, an officer in the American service, an accomplished 
scholar, and who wrote a niost reliable history of Louisiana, was appointed 
commissioner of the French goviirnment, and on the Otii of March, J H04, 
rec(;ived the transfer from Charles iJehault iJelassus, the Spanish com- 
mandant; on the next day he transferred it to the United States,'* 

When it became known in St. Louis that the United States had pur- 
chased Louisiana, the spirit of speculation, already so rife, received a now 
impulse, and the house of the Spanish commandant was besieged by a 
crowd of clamorous petitioners eager for grants ; for it was well known 
that as soon as the laws of the United States brooded over the western 
banks of the Mississippi, the settlers from the eastern side would cross 
over and fill up the country, giving it increased value and consc<pirntIy 
enriching its owners. JJelassus was liberal in his grants, a petition 
scarcely ever being refused. 

The love of liberty is iidierent in all men, and conscfpiently, when the 
news came to St. Louis that Louisiana was purchased by the United 
States, the inhabitants r(;joiced in the change, although the Spanish laws, 
though springing from a monarchal source, possessed mildness almost at 
variaiif*; with kingly power. The love of wealth is also inse-parable from 
human existence, and the prospect of selling their lands at vastly remu- 



278 THE GREAT WEST 



uerative prices was likewise a powerful incentive to the inhabitants for 
hailing a change of government which woulil bring about so desirable a 
result. Consequently, when the stars and stripes floated from the g(nern- 
nient house of St. Louis, and Major Stoddard was inducted into oiiice, 
the iidiabitants manifested every symptom of joy; though they regretted 
the change some months afterward, when they found a population was 
gradually gathering in their midst, introducing different habits and cus- 
toms, adopting another creed of worship, and giving another direction to 
political currents, which had so long run into fixed channels. They then 
regretted the change that had taken place, and often sighed for the blissful 
days of ignorance, content, and comparative poverty, which had been 
their lot under the Spanish domination.'*' 

The Anglo-Saxon immigration to St. Louis possessed more industry, a 
superior knowledge in agricultural and mechanical pursuits, and above 
all, an enterprise and expansive views, which soon gave them a controlling 
intluence, and were mortifying to the spirit of the native inhabitants, who 
were enabled to occupy only a secondary position. They assumed, at 
once, the control of affairs, occupied the most prominent offices, and in 
their worldly thrift far outstripped the French and Spaniards, who felt 
the canker-worm of envy gnawing in their bosoms when they saw the 
city, which had been founded by tlie one and governed by the other for 
many years, pass under the rule of another race, and whose principles of 
action anil social feeling bore no affinity to theirs. 

Upper Louisiana extended south to a place called Hope Encampment, 
situated nearly opposite the Chickasaw IJluffs, and its northern boundary 
is the same as what now limits in that direction the territory of the 
United States. It was bounded on the east by the Mississippi, and on 
the west, it was entitled, by the law of nations, to all of the unclaimed 
country drained by the rivers which emptied in the occupied portion ; 
which would give its extent on the west, to the Rocky Mountains, in which 
the Missouri had its fountain. 

The population of Upper Louisiana, at the time of the cession in 1804, 
according to Major Stoddard — who is more to be relied upon than any 
other author in that particular, as being on the spot at the time of the 
transfer — was nine thousand and twenty whites, and one thousand three 
hundred and twenty blacks. Education was in a very defective state; 
there was no post-office in the place, and no ferry across the Mississippi. 
Whenever a traveller or hunter by chance wished to cross the Mississippi* 
opposite St. Louis — as the river was at that time very narrow — they would 
call over, and some of the inhabitants would cross in their little canoes, or 
boats of somewhat larger dimensions, as the occasion might reipiire. 
Agriculture was pursued but to a limited extent, and though tlie soil about 
St. Louis and the contiguous villages was as fertile as was ever iiirrowed 
by the ploughshare, it was not cultivated to any extent, and affording but 
little more than was necessary for bread ; peltries and lead being the chief 
articles of export. So deficient was St. Louis, at times, in the "staff of 
life," that the hunter coming from the rich country of the Wabash, where 
the lands were more skilfully cultivated, gave it in derision the humorous 

* There had been a ferry which had been established by Captain Piggot, but which, 
at the time of iriuisler, had stopped. 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 279 

appellation of Pain Court (short bread). Carondelet for many years went 
by tlie name of Vide Poche (empty pocket), indicative of the poverty of 
its inhabitants,'" 

The advent of the Americans and the change of government were pro- 
pitious for St. Louis ; for from that time agricultnre, that firm basis of a 
nation's wealth, became the leading vocation of the industrious immigra- 
tion, and from thence to the present Pain Court was a misnomer. 

The extent of St. Louis at the time of the cession to the United States 
was very circumscribed. There were no buildings on Third Street, and 
where the Planters' Hotel now stands was an enclosed common, where 
cattle belonging to the villagers grazed. One public-house, newly 
opened in the place, was kept by Jean Ilortez on a small scale ; and in- 
deed there was scarcely a necessity for any, for the inhabitants were so 
hospitable, that a stranger would be received anywhere as one of the family, 
and without charge, had his place at the table and the fireside. As we be- 
fore remarked, there was no post-office ; all communications had to be 
made by individuals coming to, and returning from the town to the sec- 
tions of country from whence they came on a visit. Even between New 
Orleans, the capital of the province, and St. Louis, there was no established 
mode of transmitting letters by government, and official as well as private 
correspondence was sent by individuals who were visiting these places on 
business. There were gun-boats belongijig to government that ran between 
New Orleans and St. Louis, but at such long intervening periods that it 
would have been inconvenient to depend solely upon this mode of trans- 
mitting communications. However, between St. Louis and Mackinaw, 
and St. Louis and New Orleans, and the few intervening points, the oppor- 
tunities of transmitting communications were much more frequent than 
other sections of country, as the current of commercial trade ran between 
these villages. To the emigrants from Kentucky and Ohio, who a year or 
two before the cession had come to St. Louis in considerable numbers, con- 
tiguous to the town, was presented the greatest difficulty in communicating 
with their friends. They found but little difficulty in hearing from those 
they had left, because there was almost a continual stream of immigration 
to the Spanish country; but it was rarely that any one returned, and it 
was often years before the new settlers could send to their friends any 
account of the country they had adopted as their home. 

The 00,000,000 of francs which the United States paid for the province 
of Louisiana, were given for a large extent of territory, with immense agri- 
cultural and mineral resources, but almost entirely undeveloped. The 
50,000 inhabitants which the whole province contained were not desirable 
residents of a new country, and did not possess the elements of thrift and 
enterprise to make the soil or the mines yield the innate wealth which 
they possessed. They were but little skilled either in agriculture or mining, 
and the Indian trade, to which they almost exclusively devoted themselves, 
would soon have exhausted itself, as the deer, bufialo and beaver would 
become diminished ; and their supplies in that quarter being cut off, they 
would have grown poorer as their trade languished, and have never reached 
any degree of prosperity, had not the vigor and skill of the Anglo-American 
race been precipitated in the country and given a new direction and new 
force to the small and sluggish currents of business. At the time of the 
cession the country itself was an acquisition, but not the inhabitants. 



280 THE GREAT WEST 



CHAPTER III. 

French fjrants. — Spanish grants. — Partialit)! for the lands containing lead ore. or where 
saiines could be i'uund. — The danger from Indians in working the mines and salines. — 
The probability of many fraudulent claims. — Number of houses in St. Louis at tlie 
time of the transfer of the province of Louisiana to the United States. — How the 
houses were built. — Description of the principal houses and public buildings in the 
village in 1804. — Baptism of half-breeds and an Indian child. — Morals of the men 
and women. — The mode of determining disputes. — The customs, habits, and pleas- 
ures of the inhabitants. — Names of the chief merchants, traders, and tradesmen at 
the time of the cession to tlie United States. — The locality of the residences of the 
principal inhabitants. — Prices of goods. — Muiisitur TardiJ\ and Ccvreuil. 

As it lias been observed before, we know of no record which gave to 
Louis St. Ange de Bellerive, authority as commandant of St. Louis, with 
the power of granting lands to the inhabitants; j'et there is scarcely a 
shadow of doubt but that he was first sent by M. Aubri, who, in the early 
pait of 1V65, was commander of the French forces in Louisiana, when M. 
D'Abbadie was governor of the province of Louisiana, to the post of St. 
Louis, with the few troops which he had in charge at Fort de Chartres, 
when that fort was delivered to the English. It was not probably intended 
at that time that he should exercise any other functions but those usually 
vested in the commandants of military posts; but, as there was need of 
some one in the growing town who should have the legal power of appor- 
tioning land, it is not only probable, but almost certain, that after the 
death of M. D'Abbadie, his successor, M. Aubri, delegated the power to 
M. St. Ange de Bellerive to grant the royal domain. In support of this 
opinion, we see by the archives a record of an order made by the Supreme 
Council of Louisiana, transmitted to Lefebre, who was one of the judges 
in Upper Louisiana, and Labuxiere, who was, at tliat time, the king's 
solicitor, for the sale of the effects of an absconding debtor, by the name 
of Legrange, who had property in St. Genevieve. This order to the judge 
and king's solicitor, after describing to them minutely their powers rela- 
tive to the disposal of the property, and how and to whom the proceeds 
should be transmitted at New Oilcans, tells them that M. Aubri, the 
governor, had sent private instructions to M. St. Ange de Bellerive, the 
commandant of the post of St. Louis, to aid them if necessary in the exe- 
cution of the process. This shows that the governor of Louisiana recog- 
nized the authority of the commandant of St. Louis, and was in the habit 
of instructing him in his duties. 

When Piernas took possession of the post of St. Louis, as the delegated 
officer of the Spanish crown, he confirmed all of the grants made by St. 
Ange de Bellerive, which gave a legality to the grants, which were before 
of equivocal tenure. A surveyor having been appointed immediately 
that he was inducted into office, whose duty it was to assign the lands to 
the petitioners, from an order of the lieutenant-governor, there arose a 



AND HER COMMEKCIAL METK0POLI8. 281 



system connected with the granting of lands, which made ahnost impos- 
sible the occurrence of conllicting claims. 

By the provincial laws, after a grant had been obtained by the lieutenant- 
governor, the title was not deemed complete until it had been confirmed 
by the governor of the province at New Orleans ; yet so great was the 
expense, time and difhculty of getting to the capital, that few of the titles 
were confirmed, and the inhabitants remained perfectly satisfied with the 
naked grants made by the lieutenant-governors, and sold and conveyed 
their lands with the same readiness as if the original grants had been 
sanctioned by the supreme power in New Orleans. Indeed, it would have 
been impossible for one-half of the inhabitants to have had their titles 
confirmed by the governor, as they had not the means to go to the capital 
of the province, more than a thousand miles distant; and the time of 
going from St. Louis to that place and again returning, occupied the best 
part of a year. All appeared to feel that the grants, as made by the 
lieutenant-governors, were all-sufficient; and the decisions, many years 
afterward, by the commissioners of the United States and the courts, 
went to show that grants were deemed completely and legally full when 
proceeding from the lieutenant-governors, even without the sanction of the 
governor. 

Lands were only granted upon petition, and the petitioner usually 
assigned a reason or reasons why the grant should be acceded to ; such 
as, lie was a resident at the post, intended to live upon it, had a family 
of so many children, had rendered the crown some service, or something 
that would operate as a legal inducement upon the lieutenant-governor. 
Some of the petitions specified the particular locality where the petitioners 
wished their lands, and others merely giving the quantity, had the power, 
if the petition was acquiesced in, to select them where they pleased on 
the vacant lands of the public domain. Some of the grants had conditions 
annexed to them ; such as the grantees were to make some improvements 
on the land in a year and a day, or intended to devote it to some specific 
piirpose ; and if these conditions were not complied with at the proper 
time, the lands reverted to the crown. There are some instances of land 
being granted, and afterward being reannexed to the public domain. 
This rarely occurred from a non-fulfilment of the conditions of the 
grant, as it was very easy for the grantee, at any time, to get an extension 
of time if they wished it — but usually proceeded from the fact that it 
frequently happened that persons found it to their interest not to conform 
to the conditions of the grants, from seeing some better locality which 
possessed greater attractions. They preferred to forfeit their old grants, 
and endeavored to acquire possession of those lands which they thought 
were of most value. 

Nearly at the close of the Spanish domination, the lands most sought 
for were those the most richly impregnated with minerals; and all the 
broken wilds where lead was known to exist in the greatest plenty, were 
eagerly sought after, and many thousands of acres were frequently granted 
to one individual, covering immense mineral riches, which being situated 
at a distance from the rivers, and in the almost impassable solitudes of 
the mountains, were worked to but small extent, and for the want of the 
proper means of transportation could not be developed to one tithe of 
their value. Next to peltry, lead was the chief article of value in St. Louis. 



282 THE GREAT WEST 



Salt was also of much importance as an article of consumption and 
commerce, and consequently the lands on which could be formed salines 
were in much demand, and soon became severed from the public domain, 
and were appropriated to individual possession. The lead mines and the 
salines were extensively worked, and though in so rough and unskilfid a 
manner that it approached to savage awkwardness and ignorance, still 
considerable profits accrued, and a large portion of the inhabitants were 
engaged in these pursuits. Whenever a mine or a saline was to be 
worked, a small party, composed of Frenchmen and Spaniards, and many 
half-breeds and Indians, degraded by drink, all under the direction of one 
or two leaders, would start, with but little preparation, to probably a re- 
mote point of fifty or a hundred miles from St. Louis, carrying witli them 
some few rough implements witli which to work, and armed with their 
rifles and knives, with a few sacks of ground maize, would take their 
course througli the wilderness, and by a skill made perfect by necessity, 
without a path or track would arrive at their place of destination, and 
erecting a shelter of poles, covered with grass and forest leaves, and some- 
times partially cemented with clay, wonld form their mode of action and 
commence their operations under the direction of a leader, wdio was the 
chief personage of the expedition, and to whom the labor of the others 
was due for a compensation. These parties had to depend solely on 
themselves for defence, and were often cut off to a man by large maraud- 
ing parties of savage Indians, who would discover their rendezvous, and 
by stratagem and force would effect their destruction. The bodies of 
manv brave and manly spirits in this manner have been bereft of their 
lives by the savages, and left to fester unburied in the wild solitudes in 
which they had undertaken to lay the first landmarks of civilization.* 



* Major Stoddard, in his invaluable History of Louisiana, thus speaks of the load 
mines ot the province of Louisiana at an early period, and tl:e mani.er io which they 
wore worked : — 

"Such indeed is tlie quantity of mineral lead, that very little care is taken in the 
manufacture of it. It is the opinion of many, thnt regular machinery for the purpose 
is useless, and that tlie quartity of lead saved l)y it ould never defray the expenses 
of it. They usually place the mineral on a confused heap of burning log,-^, and other 
wood, and in this way smelt it. The ead is precipitated among the ashes and dirt, 
where no small proportion of it is lost. Notwithstanding this singular and awkward 
process, the manufacturers are satisfied with the profits it yields them, and con;^ider 
m:icliinery as an injury r.'itber than a benefit. 

''Tliis inattention to tlie regular manufacture of lead arises in part from the poverty 
of the manufacturers, wlio are not able to pursu ^ an expensive process, but much 
more from the great quantity of minera'', the little labor required to obtain it, and the 
prolific nature of it. On account of the water, the mineral is usually taken from the 
ground between the first of August and tlie last of November; and during tliis period 
a great number of laborers, sometimes as many as tliree lumdred, resort to tlie mines 
in the neigliliorhood of St. Genevieve. They dig and dispose of the mineral, and re- 
ceive .n payment goods and other articles for the supprrt of their families. Some of 
them have lieen known to earn thirt_y dollars per day for several successive weeks; 
but such occurrences are rare, and never happen, unless the laborers are so lucky as 
to find veins of mineral of considerable size and extent ; though the profits of procuring 
that article are undoubtedly grert. 

" The dealers in lead, who were also in most instances the manufacturers of it, 
generally adopt two methods to obtain the mineral; they either purchase it, or hire 
laborers to dig it for them. The details of this pursuit were furnished the author of 




CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH (UNITARIAN). 

Olive Street, corner of 9th Street. 

Rev. Wm. G. Eliot, D. D. Pastor. 




CONCORDIA COLLEGE. 

Carondelet Road, south of the Arsenal. 

Rev. C. T. W. Walther, President. Professok Seifert. 

Professor Sachse, Treasurer. 







GRAHAM & NEWMAN'S NEW MARBLE BUILDING. 
Olive Street, near 3d Street. 




BANK OF ST. LOUIS. 

J. J. Anderson, President. 
D. C. Van Arman, Cashier. 



CUSTOM HOUSE AND POST OFFICE. 

John Hogan, Postmaster. 
Daniel Donovan, Collector. 
Isaac H. Sturgeon, Sub-Treasurer. 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 283 

The love of gain, though always regarded as an infirmity of human 
nature, and certainly springing from purely selfish sources, yet, weakness as 
it is, is a most powerful incentive to human exertion, and is productive 
of the happiest results. For gain, the enterprising merchant seeks unknown 
shores and climes pregnant with the breath of death, which in pestilential 
vapors floats through the atmosphere, and where danger lurks in a thou- 
sand other forms incident to the stranger when in a savage land — where 
the amenities of life are unknown, and where war, rapine, and murder 
are regarded in the light of virtues by the inhabitants. Gain, more than 
a love of glory, led to the discovery of the Mississippi River; gain induced 
the governor of Canada to procure the services of the holy Marquette to 
seek the upper waters of the great river ; gain influenced La Salle to 
attempt the colonization of the most fertile valley on the globe ; and gain 

these sketches in 1803, by the owner of a mine in the district of St. Genevieve, and 
they stand thus: Were he to hiro twenty-five men to dig mineral during the four 
months already mentioned, they would furnish about two hundred thousand weight; 
and as it yields seventy per centum, the produce of the whole would be one hundred 
and forty thousand pounds for the market. The wages and food of twenty-five labor- 
ers for the above time, and the expenses of transporting the lead from the mines to 
New Orleans, would amount to three thousand six hundred and fifty dollars ; and 
were it to sell in market for nine dollars per hundred, the proceeds would amount to 
twelve thousand six hundred dollars; so that, after deducting the expenses, the sum 
of eight thousand nine hundred and fifty dollars would be left for the proprietor or 
dealer, which may be considered as the net profits. These, however, wholly depend 
on the price in market, which varies according as commerce fluctuates, or as war or 
peace prevails irf Europe. In time of peace, lead seldom sells for more than six dollars 
per hundred ; during a European war it sometimes rises to twelve dollars, though 
the average price in market may be stated at nine dollars. These dealers in lead, who 
receive mineral in exchange for goods, are supposed to make the greatest profits. 
They fix themselves about the mines, and purchase the mineral of the laborers at two 
dollars per hundred, and make their payments in merchandise at an enormous advance. 
They smelt the mineral, and carry the lead to market ; and as they are not obhged to 
deal on credit, the profits of this barter trade are very considerable. 

" The proprietor to whom we have just alluded, planted himself among the lead 
mines in 1797, and obtained from the Spanish government a grant of a league square 
of land, most of which is impregnated with mineral. He is the owner of the only 
regular machinery in the country for making lead. He manufactures bar and sheet 
lead, as also great quantities of ball and shot. But it is doubted by some whether the 
more simple and awkward mode of manufacturing ll^d as practised by the itinerant 
pursuers of this metal is not equally profitable ; especially as they smelt the mineral 
on the ground where they obtain it, and are not at the trouble and expense of removing 
it to a distance for this operation. 

" The richest mineral known in the country is procured from two mines situated 
on the west bank ot the Mississippi, nearly five hundred miles above the mouth of 
the Missouri, which were opened some years ago by a Frenchman : one of them yields 
eighty-four, and the other ninety-tico pounds of pure lead to each hundred weight of 
mineral ; though, from the manner of smelting, no more than seventy -five are actually 
realized. The owner covered these, as well as other mines, in 1796, by a complete 
grant from the Spanish government, embracing a tract of one hundred and sixty-nine 
thousand three hundred and forty-four arpents, now recognized as valid by the laws 
of the United States. The mineral is found here, as in other places, in veins, but 
these generally descend at an angle of aboutJ;hirty-four degrees. Two of them have 
been pursued nearly two hundred and fifty feet beneath the base of a steep hill. At 
their extremity, in summer, the air moves with such rapidity, that a candle cannot be 
kept lighted, and is at the same time so cold as to prove uncomfortable to the work- 
men ; but in winter a considerable degree of heat prevails, and a small portion of air 
only is found to be in circulation." 
11 



284 THE GREAT WEST 



prompted the discovery of the site and founding of the "Great Metropolis 
of the West." 

Though parties who went to work the distant salines and the mines 
were continually harassed, and frequently entirely destroyed by the In- 
dians, yet the profits attendant upon the lead and salt business were so 
seductive, that others', animated by the same motives, were found ready 
to encounter the same obstacles and dangers. It was probably owing to 
the dangers that were incidental to working the mines and the salines, 
that the lieutenant-governors made without hesitation such large grants 
in the wilds where the lead and salt were to be found. In the neighbor- 
hood of St. Louis it was only the wealthy who obtained large grants, a-s 
it was thought by the lieutenant-governors that they possessed the most 
ample means to improve them: — at least such was the reason alleged for 
the extensive grants. 

As has been observed, most of the grants made by the lieutenant- 
governors were deemed by the inhabitants sufficiently complete without 
having them confirmed by the governor at New Orleans; yet, just pre- 
vious to the actual transfer of Louisiana to the United States, a panic 
pervaded the inhabitants of St. Louis that their grants, and the transfer 
of their grants, not confirmed by the supreme executive officer, were 
worthless, and many hundreds and thousands of acres were sold for almost 
nothing by those whose titles had not been completely perfected. It is 
thought that some of the most wealthy and speculative of the inhabitants 
of St. Louis originated the panic, that they n)ight purchase the claims foi 
a mere trifle. It is certain that the claims were principally purchased by 
those who were the chief instigators of the panic. It is also certain that 
many of the claims originating but a short time previous to the transfer, 
were fraudulent; some of them were so pronounced by the commissioners 
appointed by the United States some years afterward, and there were 
many that were fraudulent that were pronounced good, owing to the 
liberal constructions placed upon claims by the commissioners, who acted 
upon the liberal and legal principle, that every claim was good unless mani- 
fest fraud appeared. However, many of these old claims were subjects 
of legal litigation, and for many years afforded a fine harvest-field for 
lawyers, and swelled the dockets in the court-house. Evep now, some of 
them are surrounded by le^l trammels, and have run divers times the 
cycles of the various courts, without any prospect of a termination. 

It was during the administration of the last two lieutenant-governors, 
that the grants of land became much more frequent and extensive. Pre- 
vious to their time, it was granted in much smaller quantities, and one of 
the fundamental conditions of procuring the grant was, that the petitioner 
should be a Catholic. Under the last commandants, though the last con- 
dition remained in force on the books, it was not enforced in practice, 
and the religious creed of the grantees was seldom inquired into, as it 
was the wish of the Spanish government to allure within its domains as 
many Anglo-Americans as possible, for the purpose of increasing agricul- 
tural products. • 

At the time of the cession to the United States, St. Louis, according to 
Major Stoddard, contained one hnndred and eighty houses, which were 
nearly all built of hewn logs, set up on end, and on the square a roof was 
formed and covered with shingles ; on some houses the shingles were 



AND HEB COMMEKCIAL METROPOLIS. 285 

fastened to the scantling with wooden pegs, owing to the scarcity of nails. 
Some of the houses of the more wealthy and tasteful inhabitants were 
built of stone, with a large stone wall encompassing them and the gardens 
with which they were connected. These houses were of but one story, 
low pitched, with a porch the full length of the building, and frequently 
a piazza in the rear. Most of the town was situated on what are now 
known as Main and Second streets, and the main buildings were the 
Government House, situated on Main street, corner of Walnut, extending 
toward the river, and south of the public square known as La Place 
cV amies; the house of Madame Chouteau, on the square between Main, 
and Second and Chesnut and Market streets; the "Old Chouteau Man- 
sion," being a part of the first house built in St. Louis, and situated on 
the block between Main and Second, and Market and Walnut streets; 
and the fort which was called St. Charles, situated between Fourth and 
Fifth streets, and Walnut and Elm. In this fort the Spanish garrison 
had their quarters, and it was commenced in the early part of the spring 
of 1780, as the register in the Catholic church contains an account of the 
ceremony of " blessing the first stone." The nucleus of the fort was the 
tower — a stone fortress reared in the shape of a tower — which had numer- 
ous port-holes, and was probably built during the administration of Louis 
St. Ange de Bellerive, and for many years was used as a prison by the 
American government — the debtors being confined in the apartment 
above, and the criminals below. At the attack of the Indians in 1780, 
the tower was the only available fortress; the other defences were in an 
incomplete state. 

Many of the male inhabitants were married to Indian squaws, or lived 
with them in unseemly relations of intimacy. In the register of the Catho- 
lic church we see where eight children of a certain Jean Cardinal and 
Marianne, his Indian wife, were baptized at once ; this same Frenchman 
was killed by the Indians in their attack upon the town in 1780, as 
stated in a previous part of this work. There are numerous baptisms of 
children whose mothers were squaws, and who had become the wives or 
mistresses of white men. This old and invaluable record book contains 
also the following baptism, which we have literally translated, and given 
in full to the reader : — 

"In the year 1794, the 13th of April, Peter Joseph Didier, religious 
Benedictine priest of the congregation of St. Maur, has baptized Therese 
Victori, of Indian origin, of the nation of the Penis, about five years of 
age. The godfather has been M. Zcnon Trudeau, captain commandant 
of the appointed regiment of Louisiana, and lieutenant-governor of the 
western part of Illinois. The godmother, Mary Genevieve de la Marche, 
religious superior of the Ladies of St. Claire de Tour, who have signed 
this present with us the day and year above." 

This baptismal record not only shows the honor bestowed upon the 
Indian child by the high standing of its godfather and godmother, but gives 
us undoubted evidence that St, Louis was visited by some of the religious 
refugees of high quality in France, who were compelled, during the 
stormy period of the Revolution, to forsake their monasteries, and take 
shelter in foreign countries. The godmother in the aforesaid baptism was 
one high in authority in one branch of her creed, and doubtless received 
the homage incidental to her rank while at St. Louis. 



286 THE GREAT WEST 



When the Spanish domination ceased, there was but one church in St. 
Louis, and that was of the Catholic persuasion. This church was built 
at the closing of the French domination in 1780, and which we have 
described in the first chapter of the work. There were many of the 
inhabitants, it is true, of different sects, yet they had carefully concealed 
their religious proclivities, and had no place of worship, as the Catholic 
creed alone was tolerated under the Spanish government. 

Diiring the French and Spanish dominations, the higher order of crimes 
were very rare in St. Louis, and though there was rather a liberality in 
their morals, yet there were none of those demoniac outbursts of human 
passions, which often appal us under other governments and in a more 
advanced stage of civilization. There were no instances of assassination, 
and but one of manslaughter — a soldier killing one of his comrades at the 
garrison — and even larcenies were unknown. The most immoral features 
that were reprehensible in the early inhabitants were their liaisons. 
These were looked upon in a charitable manner, nor affected to any de- 
gree the social standing of the party. This is only applicable to the male 
sex ; the standard of virtue in the female sex was as high as at the present 
time; and though the man could deviate with impunity from a chaste 
life, yet the woman who did not preserve sacred her vestal and marital 
relations, was at once socially ostracized. In the archives we find where 
a man and wife jointly made a will, professing toward each other the 
most endearing relations, and requesting their executors to let the graves 
of both be as near as possible after death, as significant of the loving 
union that had always subsisted during life. In the next clause, the hus- 
band goes on to say that he bequeathed "five thousand livres to Marie, 
his illegitimate daughter." If a husband strayed from the connubial 
orbit for other attractions, he was forgiven, on the score of human 
infirmity. 

Among the inhabitants, the most cordial relations subsisted : enmity 
was rare among them, and a brotherly feeling appeared to unite them in 
a family. There was seldom any legal litigation, for it was a custom 
among the inhabitants, in almost all cases, where there was a difference of 
opinion which would lead to legal controversy, for the parties to submit 
to arbitration, and in this reasonable way end a dispute, which, if it once 
became involved in the meshes of the law, would have been protracted 
with expense, and kept the parties in continual torture until determined; 
all the time attended with a thousand vexations, and increasing the un- 
friendly relations. 

The inhabitants of St. Louis, during the French and Spanish domina- 
tions, though cut off by the remote position of their town from the 
enjoyment of what are termed the luxuries of life, were nevertheless, 
probably, the happiest people in the world. The little village was too 
small for society to form itself into clans, each with their array of vanity 
and paltry ambition, but the whole village was on a level in the social 
scale, and the inhabitants would gather around each other's firesides, iike 
one family, undisturbed by the trivial niceties of etiquette, conscious that 
the glance and the voice which welcomed them took their warmth and 
their tone from hearts that were throbbinj: with the most friendly emo- 
tions. They were not an industrious people; they occupied themselves 
only sufficiently to procure a bare comfortable subsistence, and then, 



AND HEE COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 287 

during the afternoons and evenings, there were continual interchanges of 
visits. 

The French are proverbial for their good humor, their gayety, and that 
innate philosophy which prompts them, at all times, to bo as happy as 
possible, under all circumstances. The inhabitants of St. Louis possessed 
all of these national characteristics in their greatest degree, somewhat 
increased from their isolated position, which had a tendency to draw them 
closer together, and the total absence of all adventitious modes of pleasure, 
and their perfect dependence upon each other in that respect for enjoy- 
ment. During the summer afternoon they could be seen in groups 
beneath the shade of some tree, or perhaps sitting upon the bliifF banks 
of the river, when the hill above the town had intercepted the rays of the 
sun, before his descent in the waves and coral reefs of ocean ; or perhaps 
some, more venturesome, would glide with the suppleness of youth and 
spirit down the bluff banks, and would seat themselves on the rocks 
which at that time, at low-water mark, rose prominently from the bed of 
the " Father of Waters," along the shore, laughing at their own antics 
and activity, and exciting the attention, and contributing to the enjoyment 
of their friends, who were spectators of their exploits. Some of the old 
would gather frequently together on the long piazzas, which were fre- 
quently in both front and rear of the one-story dwellings of tJie wealthier 
of the inhabitants — and in a universal conversation, in which all played 
their part, and all enjoyed ; and permitting not for a moment any care or 
subject to intrude, which would damp the warm and genial feelings always 
prevalent in their social circles. 

Though education was limited — and indeed so meagre even among the 
very few who made any pretension to book information — still the little 
village had its romance and its music, its traditionary narratives, and the 
poetry of feeling which wakes in the heart of youth when touched by the 
powerful talisman of love. The lover would woo his mistress in the plain 
language of truth, and in humble attire, and, without the aid of guitar and 
verse, would enjoy in sober sweetness the brief scenes of courtship ; and 
when the holy father would make them one, and gave them his blessing, 
they would retire to their humble cabins and commence their new life 
with as much prospect of happiness as though wealth and intelligence had 
been their lot. 

Dancing was the favorite amusement of the inhabitants, and they fre- 
quently had their social meetings. At whosoever's house the meeting 
was going to be, all of the neighbors would contribute something to the 
feast which would be spread out for the occasion. Some would contribute 
sugar, some coffee (there was no tea at that time), some chickens, some 
one thing and some another, all what they had to spare, and in this man- 
ner made up the banquet. It was almost impossible, during the infancy 
of St. Louis, during the French domination, for but a few — and very few — 
of the inhabitants to have such a sufficiency of the necessaries of life as 
would enable them to entertain at their own expense any great number of 
their friends, and hence the custom which necessity originated of a general 
contribution for furnishing the repast whenever there was to be a social 
gathering. The only music was the violin, and the dances chiefly in 
vogue were minuets and the various kinds of quadrille. Madame Ortes 
informs us that waltzes were then entirely unknown, and not until late 



288 THE GREAT WEST 



durino; the Spanish domination did she ever see one; the first one who 
introduced it into St. Louis was Mr. Rene Paul, a respectable trader and 
merchant of St. Louis, and who frequently, when the country was ceded 
to the United States, officiated as interpreter for the officers of govern- 
ment when treating with the Indians, as frequent intercourse had made 
him familiar with their language. The French love society and conviv- 
iality, and consequently these festive scenes were frequent. 

As St. Louis grew in years, the inhabitants grew in wealth, and most 
of them had the comforts of life in profusion, and soon could supply their 
houses with all that was necessary to entertain their friends, and then 
these general contributions ceased at their festive gatherings. 

A few years after the Spanish domination commenced, though the 
gatherings were as frequent as ever, yet general contribution at these 
entertainments had altogether ceased, and the expense was borne exclu- 
sively by the individilals at whose houses the parties were held. 

The customs and habits of the people of St. Louis after the transfer 
from the French to the Spanish government, underwent no change, except 
in some few immaterial respects, produced by the operation of new laws; 
for, but few Spanish families immigrated to the country, and those few 
were mostly connected with French families, and adopted their peculiar 
modes of life. 

During the Spanish domination, whenever there was an entertainment, 
it was a municipal rule that a sentinel should be upon the spot, whose 
province it was to conduct to the calaboose any who raised any disturb- 
ance by gratifying belligerent propensities, or from too deeply imbibing 
of spirituous potations behaved in so noisy a manner as annoyed the com- 
pany. At these banquets, the greatest deference was paid to the aged, 
and care w^as taken that they should be seated at the first table, when, 
from the number of guests invited, it was impossible for them all to be 
seated at one time. 

At the time of the transfer of the province of Louisiana to the United 
States, there was but one baker in the town, by the name of Le Clerc, 
who baked for the garrison, and who lived in Main street, between what 
is now known as Elm and Walinit. There were three blacksmiths : De- 
losier, who resided in Main street, near Morgan; Rencontre, who lived 
in Main, near Carr; and Valois, who resided in Main, near Elm, and did 
the work for the government. There was but one physician, who was 
Dr. Saugrain, who practised many years after the possession of the 
American government, and who lived on Second street, and owned the 
property now occupied as the People's Garden. 

There were but two little French taverns in the town, one kept by 
Yostic, and the other by Landreville, chiefly to accommodate the couriers 
des bois (hunters) and the voi/aj/izirs (boatmen) of the Mississippi. These 
little taverns, visited by the brave, daring, and reckless men who lived 
three-fourths of the time remote from civilization, in the wild solitudes of 
the forest and rivers, and in constant intercourse with the savages, were 
the very nurseries of legendary narratives, where the hunters, the trap- 
pers, and the boatmen, all mingling together under the genial excitement 
of convivial influences, would relate perilous adventures, hair-breadth 
escapes ; death of comrades and families by the tomahawk, starvation, 
and at the fire-stake; murder by the pirates of the Grand Tower and 



AND HliK COMMERCIAL METKOPOLIS. 289 

Cottonwood Creek; captivity in the wilderness and the cave, and pro- 
tracted sufferings in the most agonizing forms incident to humanit3% 
There is no record of these wild narratives, which could have been pre- 
served for future times, had there been a historian, who by the embalming 
power of genius would have preserved them in an imperishable shape for 
posterity. Both of these taverns stood upon the corners of Main and 
Locust streets. 

Tiie principal merchants and traders, at the time of the cession to the 
United States, were, 'Auguste Chouteau, who resided in Main street, 
between Market and Walnut ; Pierre Chouteau, who resided on the cor- 
ner of Main and Washington Avenue, and had the whole square encircled 
with a stone wall — he had an orchard of choice fruit, and his house and 
store were in one building — the store being the first story and the family 
residence the second ; Manuel Lisa lived on Second street, corner of 
Spruce — a part of the building is now occupied as a boarding-house; 
Labbadic <fc Sarpy, in Main, between Pine and Chesnut; Roubidou lived 
at the corner of Elm and Main- — a part of the house is still standing; 
and Jaques Glamorgan, corner of Green and Main — the foundry of Gaty, 
McCune & Co. stands on part of what was his property. The Debreuil 
family occupied a whole square on Second street, between Pine and 
Chestnut. 

It would be too tedious thus to locate the residences of each one of 
the merchants and traders, and we will content ourselves by giving the 
names of some of the remaining merchants and principal inhabitants. 
They were as follows : — Hortez, Pratte, Gratiot, Tayon, Lecompt, Papin, 
Cabanne, Alvarez, Lebaume and Soulard. 

It must not be understood by the reader, that a merchant at that time 
approximated at all in his business relations to the merchant of to-day. 
A place occupying but a few feet square would contain all of their goods; 
and indeed, during the period of the first growth of St. Louis, a merchant 
kept all of his goods in a chest or box, which was opened whenever a 
purchaser would appear. Sugar, coffee, gunpowder, blankets, paint, spice, 
salt, knives, hatchet?, guns, kitchen-ware, hunting-shirts, and every varie- 
ty of coarse dry goods, were stored together. 

Owing to the tediousness of navigation, the prices demanded for all 
articles of importation were enormous. Sugar and coffee were each two 
dollars per pound, and every thing else in proportion. Tea was almost 
unknown until the advent of the United States government. Articles 
now regarded as indispensable to human existence, and occupying a low 
position in the scale of human comfort, were then esteemed the greatest 
hixurics, and so expensive as to be enjoyed only on state occasions, and 
then with parsimony ; yet the inhabitants were happy. Their isolated 
position, their few wants, their removal from temptation always lurking 
amid the elegancies and flowering attractions of civilization, the simplicity 
of their life — all conduced to serenity of mind, which is so redolent of 
happy thoughts and so favorable to the growth of the finest sympathies. 
When they met at their balls, there was no ambition to excel in the dis- 
play of costume and other butterfly follies incident to the summer of civi- 
lization — having no intrinsic value and deceiving by a specious attraction. 

In speaking of the balls, it is necessary to take a passing glance at the 
musicians, who, with their instruments, contributed so much to the enjoy- 



290 THE GREAT WEST 



ment of the inhabitants. The chief one ^yas an old man with white hair, 
a droll expression of countenance, and dry humor. He was scarcely five 
feet in height, and almost as thick. He was called Monsieur Turdif, and 
at this distant day there is no means of ascertaining his patronymic. He 
was known usually by his soubriquet, and this name — which was given 
to him from his slowness of motion over space — had more notoriety than 
any other in the village. At every ball, seated by his side was another 
musician, in the person of a darky of the real African hue, but from his 
long, gaunt, fallow-deer appearance, was called Chevreuil. They were the 
perfect antipodes of each other, and have been the origin of many a jest 
among the happy people of the village. 



AND HER COMMEKCIAL METROPOLIS. 291 



CHAPTEE^ IV. 

St. Louis und-er the United States Government. — Major Stoddard. — Gen. "Wilkinson. — 
Lieutenant Pike. — Lewis Clarke. — The increase of population of the town. — The 
establishment of a Post-Office. — The Missouri Gazette. — The trial of Indian murder- 
ers. — The Delaware and Shawnee Indians near Cape Girardeau. — Tlie first man hung 
in St. Louis. — Death of Governor Meriwether Lewis. — Government of St. Louis. — 
Singular ordinances. — The mails — The population and business of the city. — Curious 
advertisements. — The Old Market built. — Louisiana Territory clianged to Missouri 
Territory. — The Misspuri Fur Company. — The manner of the organization of Fur 
Companies. — Anecdotes related by a trader. — Trouble willi the Indians in 1812 from 
British instigation. — Influence of General Clarke over them. — A travelling magician. 
— Bank of St. Louis. — Bank of Missouri. — £t. Louis prices current. — Expenditure of 
St. Louis. — Formation of the Missouri Bible Society. 

When the Province of Louisiana was ceded to the United States, 
Major Amos Stoddard was appointed governor of Upper Louisiana, with 
all the power of a Spanish commandant. He lived in what was known 
as the Government House, on the corner of Main and Walnut and south 
of the public square, La Place d^ Amies. He was an officer of much 
ability, an accomplished scholar, and for the short period he was governor 
(5f Louisiana, fulfilled with satisfaction his duties. 

On the 26th of March, 1804, by an act of Congress, the province of 
Loui.siana was divided into two parts — the territory of Orleans and the 
district of Louisiana — and all north of the tliirty-third parallel of latitude 
was included in the latter. The district was placed under the domination 
of the territory of Indiana, with ample powers to regulate its civil and 
military government. Not a year elapsed before another act of Congress 
declared that the district of Louisiana should be changed into the territory 
of Louisiana, and should have a governor appointed by the president, 
and the legislative power should vest in the governor and three territorial 
judges. The first governor of the territory was general Wilkinson. It 
was in August of that year that one of the expeditions under Lieu- 
tenant Pike left their encampment near St. Louis for the St. Peter's. 
The governor resided in the old Government House, and in the early 
part of autumn, 1805, was visited by Aaron Burr, when that remark- 
able man, tormented by the furies of a complaining conscience for 
the death of Hamilton, in his restless excitement, was projecting 
schemes to gratify his overreaching ambition, even though they tended to 
the severance of the Union. He was betrayed by Wilkinson, whom he 
thought his friend, and was arrested before his schemes had matured. '^ 

In September, 1806, the little town of St. Louis was again excited by 
the return of Lewis and Clark, who had traced the turbid Missouii to its 
source, passed through a defile of the Rocky Mountains, nor desisted 
until they followed the Columbia to the Pacific Ocean. They had been 
absent on their perilous journey for two years and a half, and their arrival 
at St. Louis, on their return to Washington, was an important event, 
which gave new excitement and set in brisker motion the quiet currents 



292 THE GREAT WEST 



of the infant city. The chiefs of the expedition were feted by the chief 
inhabitants of the city, and the attendants received their due share of 
attention from other of the citizens, who, though not so high in authority 
as the rulers and the more weahhy, weie equally as hospitable, and as 
anxious to receive with the most cordial warmth the heroic men wlio had 
accomplished so perilous an undertaking. The daring adventure became 
the theme of universal conversation in the town, and they who liad traced 
the wild Missouri to its source ; who had smoked the calumet with the 
most distant and ferocious tribes of Indians; who had forced their way 
through the dismal solitudes of the Rocky Mountains, and dauntlessly 
pursued their journey until they stood in view of the saline breakers 
of the I'acific washing the western borders of our Union — became tlie 
lions of the town and "the observed of all observers." So much did they 
like the iidiabitants of St. Louis, that both Lewis and Clark became 
residents of the town, and filled the highest offices of the country. Even 
the negro, York, who was the body-servant of Clark, despite his ebony 
complexion, was looked upon with decided partiality, and received his 
share of adulation. It is said that York was much given to romance, 
and under the excitement of frequent spirituous potations, with which his 
kind friends furnished liim in abundance, would relate the most thrilling 
incidents which befell him and the party during long voyages tlirough the 
wilderness, and which would not have been discreditable to the imagina- 
tion of the author of Baron Munchausen, when in his happiest flights of 
erratic fancy. 

Under the administration of the United States government, the popu- 
lation of St. Louis increased rapidly. Immigration poured rapidly in the 
borders of Missouri, and enterprising tradei's fiom the eastern cities took 
up their abode in the town and commenced successful business. The 
new buildings that were put up became more tasteful in their structure ; 
a new vitality appeared to quicken the sluo-gish channels of business; and 
every thing gave indication of surrounding thrift and comfort. A ferry 
was established across the Mississippi, kept by a man by the name of 
Adams, and it became so lucrative, that in a few montlis after another 
was put in operation — there being a continual line of immigrant wagons 
crossing from the east to the west of the Mississippi.^^ Some of them were 
kept sometimes for days on the east side, waiting for their turns to be 
ferried over. A post-office was also established in St. Louis soon after 
the establishment of the United States government.* In July, 1808, the 
first newspaper was established in St. Louis : it was started by Joseph 
Charless, a gentleman of fine business capabilities and some editorial 
talent, and was called the Missouri Gazette. The sheet was not larger 
than a royal octavo page, yet it was the infant growth of the gigantic 
sheet now known as the Missouri RejmbUcan. It was the first journal 
west of the Mississippi, and is now one of the most popular and ably con- 
ducted sheets in the Union. 

It was in August, 1808, that one Sauk and two Iowa Indians were 
tried before the Court of Oyer and Terminer for murder. Messrs. Lucas 
and Shrader were the presiding judges. There was much excitement in 
the town of St. Louis, and the streets literally swarmed with Indian war- 
riors, who had come to be present at the trial. There was much prejudice 
against the Indians at the time, as several mysterious murders had been 

* The first postmaster was named Rufus Easton. 



AND HEE COM^rEKCIAL METROPOLIS. 293 

recently committed, which were charged upon some of the marauding 
bands, and the wishes of the people were that those who were known to 
be guilty, should suffer the highest penalty of the law. However, their 
trial was conducted in the most impartial manner. A place was set apart 
in the court-house — which was the main building occupied by the Spanish 
garrison, near what is now the corner of Fourth and Walnut — for their 
friends to witness their trial, and good counsel was assigned them. The 
crime was clearly proved upon them, and they were convicted of murder, 
and sentence of death was pronounced against the Sank : for some legal 
informality a new trial was granted to the lowas. However, none of them 
were executed ; for by legal Jinense it was discovered there was a want 
of jurisdiction in the case, and the savages escaped the doom which they 
well merited. 

As has been before observed, the Delawares and Shawnees had been 
invited west of the Mississippi by the Spanish authorities, and a large 
portion of land assigned them in the neighborhood of Cape Girardeau. 
They were induced to settle there, that they might repel the assaults of 
the Osages, who kept the Spanish villages in continual terror of their 
invasion. 

The Delawares and Shawnees built several villages in the neighborhood 
of Cape Girardeau ; and after the establishment of the United States 
government, so sensible were they of the good results of its working, that 
they determined to fashion a government as near like it as their knowledge 
and circumstances admitted, and resolved to adopt the habits of civiliza- 
tion. They gave up the chase, buried the tomahawk, and devoted 
themselves for a little season to the pursuits of agriculture. In their first 
criminal court, three men were convicted of murder, and without any 
time for repentance they were taken back of one of the villages, there 
tomahawked, their bodies burnt upon a pile, and the ashes scattered to 
the winds. The efforts of the Indians to cast off their barbarous instincts 
and to acquire the quiet and useful lessons of civilization, proved unsuc- 
cessful. They could not change their nature, and quickly threw off the irk- 
some trammels of Caucasian life — with which they had fettered themselves 
for the purpose of increasing their worldly thrift — and, relapsing into their 
old habits, followed the fate of the other tribes, who had sickened and 
dwindled before the influence of civilization ; and now, of the Shawnee 
and Delaware tribes, once so numerous and powerful, but few are left. 

The first execution that ever took place in the territory of Louisiana, 
was on September, 16th, 1808, v/hen a yuiig man in the prime of youth 
was hung for the murder of his stepfather. He had deliberately shot 
him, and it being the first foul and premeditated murder that had 
ever taken place in the territory, thougli every effoit was made by his 
friends to avert his doom, he was offered as a victim to the offended laws 
of his country. In those days, hanging was conducted on very simple 
principles. Two posts were planted a short distance apart, with a fork 
at the uppermost ends, and on the forks a stout beam rested, over which 
was swung a rope. The convict was driven to the gallows in a cart, 
seated in a chair, upon which he stood when the rope was ailjusted to his 
neck. When all was ready, the cart was driven away, and the unfortunate 
aggressor was left strangling and struggling in the agonies of death. It 
frequently happened that the victim, for the purpose of releasing himself 



294 THE GREAT WEST 



fioin agonizing suspense, would, the inon)cnt that the cord was adjusted 
to his neck, kick away the chair and launch himscU into eternity. 

In the first part of autumn, 1809, an event took place wliich caused a 
universal gloom among the inhabitants, and many a weeping eye in 
St. Louis distilled drops of anguish for the death of a magistrate, friend, 
and stateman. For many months Governor Meriwether Lewis had been 
subject to mental depression, without having any visible cause for his 
melancholy. His friends viewed the marked change in liis conduct with 
disquietude, and bestowed upon him those thousand little attentions 
which respect and warm friendship will suggest, and all in vain. ^Vhile 
on a journey, Governor Lewis deliberately ended liis life with his pistol.* 
He was a man of energy, probity and ambition ; had received the most 
marked tokens of his country's approbation, and was universally beloved. 
What was the fountain source of that melancholy madness, which induced 
him to perform such a shuddering deed, is a myth at the present day. 
His disposition from a youth was pensive — inclined to be " moody from 
his earliest day." He was mourned as his worth and virtues deserved, 
and there were published many elegies as tributes to his memory. He 
was the companion of Clark in the expedition to the head-waters of the 
Missouri and Columbia, and was one of the leading spirits in the times in 
which he lived. 

The municipal government of St. Louis was at that time under the 
control of a board of trustees, vested with nearly the same powers as now 
incidental to the common council and mayor. On February 10th, 1809, 
they issued a proclamation, requiring the citizens to form themselves into 
fire companies, and enacted the laws regulating their government. Among 
other things, they required that each inhabitant Avho owned a building 
should have the chimneys of the same swept once a month at least ; and 
if a chimney caught fire, the presumption was that the chimney had not 
been swept according to law, and the occupier was fined ten dollars, un- 
less he could prove that his chimney had been swept within a month. 
One of the ordinances provided that each occupier of a house should provide 
two buckets, to be kept in a convenient place, for the contingency of a fire. 
This year, by an act of the legislature, the limits of the city were adjusted. 

The roads and bridges were made and repaired in a manner totally 
dift'erent from what they are at the present day. There were two asses- 
sors appointed, who assessed in their district so much labor, and the time 
for its performance, on every property holder or lessee of property. This 
labor had to be performed either in person or by deputy, who was re- 
quired to be an able-bodied person, and all were under the direction of 
an overseer. 

Even as late as 1810, the post-office arrangements for St. Louis and 
some of the chief villages in the territory, were very inferior. The mail 
started from St. Louis to Cahokia once a week; from St. Louis to Her- 
culaneum, and Mine a Breton to St. Genevieve, once in two weeks. 
Though the place had considembly iniproved under the business enter- 
prise of the Anglo-Saxon race, and under the genial influence of our laws, 
yet business was still conducted on so moderate a scale, that it was not 
deemed imperative to have morfe frequent mails. According to a state- 
ment made by a writer, dated March 21st, 1811, the town contained 
1,400 inhabitants. It contained also one printing-office and twelve 



* He was proceediug to Louisville. 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 295 

stores. The writer then goes on to say that both population and business 
had been on a comparative stand for two years, but both were on the 
increase ; and mentions the fact that every house was taken, rents on the 
increase, and the prospects of the town were brightening. Among other 
things, he states that six or seven buildings were put np during the last 
season (1810), and this season (1811) there would probably be twice the 
number. He also mentions the fact, that there were two schools in the 
place— a French and English one. The value of the merchandise and 
imports of the town was about two hundred and fifty thousand dollars 
annually. Small a sum as this appears to be, it was principally owing to 
the fact that St. Louis was the fitting-out point for the military and 
trading establishments on the Mississippi and Missouri. 

Even up to this date (1811), peltry, lead and whiskey made a large 
portion of the currency, and the branches of business were not at all fixed 
and definite. We find the following advertisements of some of the busi- 
ness at that time: — 

" Cheap Goods. — The subscriber has just opened a quantity of bleached 
country linen, cotton cloth, cotton and wool cards, German steel, 
smoothing irons, ladies' silk bonnets, artificial flowers, linen check, mus- 
lins, white thread, wool and cotton ; a handsome new gig, with plated 
harness; cable and cordelle ropes, with a number of articles which suit 
this country, which he will sell on very low terms. 

"He will take in pay, furs, hides, whiskey, country made sugar and 
beeswax. John Arthur. 

" P. S. — A negro girl, eighteen years of age, is also for sale. She is a 
good house servant." 

" Notice. — C. F. Schewe will continue to give lessons in the French 
language, as well at his own lodgings as at the dwellings of those who 
may favor him with their employment. He flatters himself, that having 
heretofore enjoyed the patronage of the citizens of St. Louis, by which his 
talents have been made known, that he will be equally encouraged in 
future. 

'' He gives notice to the public at large, that he has a quantity of can- 
dles, moulded from the best deei-s'' tallow, on hand, which he will sell 
cheap for cash, 

"St. Louis, January 3d, 1810," 

Most of the advertisements approximating that period are in the same 
strain, and even the editor and proprietor of the only journal west of the 
Mississippi advertises in his sheet that he will keep a house of entertain- 
ment for strangers, where they will find every accommodation except 
whinkey. He would also take care of eight or ten horses. 

It was in January, 1811, that the board of trustees offered proposals 
for building a market on Centre Square,* the name which had been given 
to the public square which had been called, during the French and Span- 
ish dominations, La Place d' Amies. This square was between Market 

* Tliis market, so small in its dimensions, was tlie only market of the village for 
man}' years. A new and larger market was then built, which remained until a little 
time before the erection of the Merchants' Exchange. 



296 THE GKEAT WEST 



and Walnut streets, and Main and the river. The market was erected 
during the spring, and was not larger than a respectable barrack. Upon 
its site stands the present Merchants' Exchange. Al)Out this time also 
was passed an ordinance regulating the prices which boats had to pay 
which came to the wharf: and every boat of five tons' burden, within the 
territory of Louisiana, had to pay a duty of two dollars. There was also 
passed that year, "an ordinance for levying and collecting a tax within 
the limits of the town of St. Louis." 

It was in November, 1811, that a bill was laid before the Senate and 
House of Representatives for the government of the territory of Louisiana, 
so as to form the second giade of territorial government, wliich gave more 
power to the people, and somewhat unloosed them from their dependence 
upon the general government at Washington. Li February, 1812, the 
Missouri Fur Company, with which so much of the important history of 
St. Louis is connected, was established. It was organized by General 
William Clark, Manuel Lisa, and Sylvestre Labadie, who were individual 
members of the St. Louis Missouri Fur Company, which commenced its 
existence in 1808, and was dissolved and somewhat merged in the new 
company. The laws regulating the government of the company were 
drawn up with lucidity and accuracy, and were well calculated to preserve 
the atiairs of a company from confusion, and to keep the constituent 
parts in their proper orbits without danger of interference. 

It will not be digressing from this narrative, if at this place we should 
give a succinct account of the working of the elements which formed the 
fur companies — on which, at that time, the very existence of St. Louis 
depended ; for had she been deprived of her peltry trade, the chief nur- 
ture of her commerce was gone, and instead of increasing in strength and 
magnitude, she at once would have commenced a premature decline. 

The first care of a company was to select a quantity of Indian goods, 
suitable to the trade with the various savage tiibes in whose country they 
designed to execute their operations. There had to be much judgment 
displayed in the selection of these goods ; for, if the blankets were of a 
color diiierent, or a fraction larger or smaller, or of a different shape from 
those to which they liad been previously accustomed, and which they had 
adopted as the standard of taste, they would have been rejected by the 
fastidious savages, and would have been unsalable lumber upon the hands 
of the company. It was the same with the tomahawks and the rifles, 
which had to be of a certain shape and length, or they would have been 
refused by certain of the swarthy sons of the forest, who, extravagant in 
their offers for every thing which suited tlieir wayward fancy, could not 
be prevailed upon to receive, even as a gift, what their custom liad not 
recognized as congenial to taste. From these peculiarities of the difi'erent 
tribes, it was very important that the selection of goods should be made 
by some one perfectly familiar with the customs and tastes of the Indians 
where it was the intention of the comp^xny to trade. 

Tlie next care of the company, after laying in a suitable quantity of 
goods of the proper kind, was to collect a number of skilful hunters and 
trappers, for principally upon them the success of the expedition depend- 
ed, as the Indians did not supply a moiety of the peltry which a fur 
company calculated on collecting. The savage is always improvident, and 
hunts simply to supply his necessities, and never his avarice ; hence the 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 297 

quantity of furs and skins supplied by the Indians was.always inadequate 
to the wants of a company. 

The hunters and trappers, who in 1812 formed a considerable part 
of the population of St. Louis, were chiefly half-breed Indians, and white 
men who, from continual mingling in savage life, had lost all taste for 
civilized life, and loved the forest and prairie solitudes, the wild excitement 
of the chase, and the sovereign independence of the swarthy Indian, bet- 
ter than the wholesome restraints which are necessary to the government 
of a properly regulated society. 

These hunters and trappers carried into the wilderness all of the vices 
of civilization, with which they inoculated the simple savage, and when 
they returned for a season to civilized haunts, it was to bring back with 
them the same vices, with probably an inciTased love of strife, torture, 
and fiendish cruelt}', which are so predominant in the Indian character. 
They had but two redeeming traits— *courage and honesty. Their life 
was a series of dangers, and it may be said that danger was their element; 
and they would scrupulously pay to the trader any overdraw they may 
have made, which was a frequent habit among them, when on a frolic. 

In the possession of the rifle and the knife, the hunter and the trapper 
had a Potosi in their possession, which supplied them with all the riches 
they required or desired, and a protection which, in their habits of self- 
reliance, they valued more than forts and bulwarks, with their bristling 
pieces of ordnance. With constitutions that were impregnable to exter- 
nal influences, and muscles and sinews which no fatigue could weaken or 
relax, they would pursue their hazardous vocation unatfected by the vicis- 
situdes of climate, undaunted by the prospect of travelling hundreds of 
miles in their precarious pursuit, and through regions, probably, where 
some hostile all their might descry them, and with savages wile, lay some 
trap to take scalp-locks. 

The usual dress of these liunters appeared somewhat in keeping with 
their character, and the wild attire showed the mongrel blending of civi- 
lization and barbarism. Short leather breeches with moccasins covered 
their feet and legs; a leather flap dropped from their waist to their 
thighs ; and a shirt, sometimes of thick flannel or cloth, and sometimes 
of deer skin, with a cap made from the fur of some animal, and often noth- 
ing on the head, made the complete costumes of les couriers des bois, 
as they were significantly called. Some of them had wives in the village, 
— whom they sometimes visited annually, and sometimes in several years 
— who were left to their own shifts and the charity of their neighbors ; 
and what was most singular, these women, despite this indiflferent treat- 
ment, and frequently with the knowledge that their truant husbands had 
not been true to the marital relations, and had solaced themselves while 
in the wilderness by cohabiting with some of the swarthy beauties of 
those regions — would on their return, meet them with the warmest demon- 
strations of affection, and would endeavor to surround them with every 
comfort in their power during their short sojourn among the whites; and 
would mourn their departure with heart-felt sorrow. The hunters and 
trappers were an important portion of the population of St. Louis, and 
their services were always in demand by the rival fur-companies, and by 
many enterprising traders who individually carried on the fur-trade with 
the savages, which, at that time was the chief avenue to pecuniary success. 



29S THE GKEAT WEST 



After obtaining the goods and hunters, the next look-out of a fur-com- 
pany was for a trader, who liad to be a person skilled in the knowledge 
of Indian goods, and a good judge of all the variety of skins and furs; 
besides having experience with the Indians, and a complete insight into 
their customs, habits and character. A trader with these qualifications 
was invaluable, and could command almost a fabulous amount for his 
services; but so rarely was a person to be found with the proper combina- 
tion of suitable qualities, that it usually was the custom of some member 
of the fur-company to take charge of the expedition, and besides his just 
proportion arising from the cxpetlition, would receive in addition a salary 
equivalent to the risks and hardships he had to encounter. 

The most important jUM'sonage connected with expeditions of this kind 
was the interpreter. This was usually a half-breed, and was fashioned 
into existence somewhat after the following manner : some French hunter, 
in his vagabond life among savage^ribes, would become enamored of some 
swarthy beauty, and persuade her to leave her tribe and become a resident 
in some little town or village on the outskirts of civilization, where these 
worthies usually made their rendezvous, when they had become satiated 
with the wilderness, and, for change or business, would visit for a brief 
season the abode of the white man. The progeny created bv this strange 
alliance would learn in their infancy, as a matter of course, their mother's 
tongue, and likewise circulating among the whites, would become ac- 
quainted with their language. When the boys could shoulder the rifle, 
and were able to endure the hardships of the chase, they would accompany 
their father in his tramps through the wilderness, would visit their mother's 
tribe and other Indians, and probably would dwell with their relations for 
a time, and then return to the settlements. They were usuallv a desperate 
set of vagabonds, who thought the wilderness, the chase, and whiskey, 
a trinity, alone worthy of their worship. However morally worthless, 
and mentally depraved and ignorant, to the fur-companies they were talis- 
mans of power and wealth, and were petted, flattered and cared for with 
officious attention. They were the channels of communication, and with- 
out them it was impossible to carry on any trade with the Indians. Most 
of them lived with the Indians altogether, adapting tout d/ait their cus- 
toms and habits ; and from their superior knowledge, resulting from con- 
stant intercourse with the whites, had great influence with the tribes. 

Mr. Joseph Philibert, who was long engaged in the fur-trade in the 
early part of the present century, and who is now in the eighty-ninth 
year of his age, has related to us some of his thrilling adventures when 
pursuing his arduous and venturesome vocation in the wild solitudes of 
the Rocky Miumtains. We will give a succinct history of some of them, 
as they will interest the readers and give them an idea of the trials and 
hardships incident to the life of a fur-trader, and the daring courage they 
had to possess to surmount them. 

As has been before observed, St. Louis, New Orleans, and Mackinaw 
were the markets for all the goods of the traders ; the latter liaving the 
preference and receiving the largest amount of trade. 

Mr. riiilibert thus speaks of his experience as a fur-trader: "I always 
made it a rule, when 1 intended to sojourn any time with any tribe, to 
make the principal chief my friend. This I could always do by a few in- 
significant presents ; a piece of vermilion, a pocket looking-glass, some 




UNION niKSBYTKRIAN CHURCH. 

Corner 11th and* Locust Streets. 

Rev. J. J. Pouter, Pa.stor. 




(Joniur of ClicHlmit und 7lh Htrcets. 
John How, President. Geuard B. Allen, Vice-President. 

DIRECTORS. 

C. A. Pope. R. E. Carr. S. Treat. D. K. Fergu.son. C. Todd. Wm. Patrick. 

G. F. Filley. R. Sellen. Ed. Brooks. F. Diiifrs. S. H. Laflin. J. J. Reynolds. 

J. B. Eads. N. J. Eaton. James Lutliy. K. M. I'arks. Jos. O'Neil. L. fS. Fa\icett. 




WASI IIN( i TON UN I VKRsrry. 
Corner of AVasliington Avenue and I7tli Street. 

Wm. G. Ei-iOT, President. S. A. R.\ni,ett, Treas. and Sec. 

Waym.'VN Crow, Vice-President. Samuel Treat, Cor. Sec. 

D I R e'c T R s . 
Wm. G. Eliot. Samuel Treat. John Cavender. Geo. Partridge. 

John How. John O'Kallon. Tlios. P. (lanlt. Jas. 11. Lucas. 

Wayman Oow. James Smith. Charles A. Pope. H. E. Bridge. 

John M. Krum. S. A. Raulett. P. R. McCrecry. Henry Hitchcock. 




FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH SOUTH. 

Corner of 8th Street and Washington Avenue. 

Rev. Enoch M. Marin. Pastor. 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 



flashy looking beads, and a knife, would eft'cct completely my purpose and 
make him . a puppet in my hands. I could move him as 1 wished; and 
his protectioft^ w:h1 friendship were of almost omnipotent importance to 
me while hunting, trading, and trapping in the country. 

"As singular as it may appear, the trader had principally to depend on 
his own trappers for a supply of the skins of those animals which arc 
taken by bait and covert, for the Indians are only hunters, and previous 
to the advent of the white men, were wholly unacquainted with trapping. 
Particularly the skins of the beaver at that time were in the greatest de- 
mand, and having the friendship of the principal chief would prevent the 
tribe from robbing the traps, and from other molestations which would 
certainly take place if that necessary precaution had not been taken. 

" On one occasion 1 went to one of the villages in the Crow country, 
and though most of the Indians have a penchant for stealing, yet the 
Crows have this weakness to a greater extent and excel all of the tribes 
by their superior dexterity. As was my custom, I sought out the prin- 
cipal chief and at once won his heart by carrying to his wigwam a supply 
of scarlet cloth, beads, and a few charges of powder and ball. In my pos- 
session at the time I had a horse of rare beauty and endurance which I 
prized very highly. Now the Crows are great lovers of horse-Hesh, and 
despite the friendsliip and protection of the chief, my horse so excited the 
cupidity of two of them, who were the most noted horse-thieves of their 
tribe, that one night he was taken, nor could his whereabouts be discovered, 
though search was made for many miles around. I felt confident that he 
was stolen, and thought it best to ofi'er some reward in the way of trinkets, 
that would cause him to be returned. This was done with the advice of 
the chief. The ofler of reward proved fruitless ; the horse was not forth- 
coming. I again went to the chief and told him of my unsucccss. He 
looked surprised and made me relate again how much reward I had 
offered, and after attentively weighing the same, by a cautious calculation, 
he said that it was sufficient to bring the horse, and now he would make 
them bring it back. 

" I anxiously waited to know the expedient to which the chief would 
resort to have my horse returned. I was not kept long in suspense, lie 
arrayed himself in his most fanciful attire, and, mounting his horse, he 
rode around the village speaking aloud to his people. After he had made 
the circuit, he told me not to be uneasy, and that on the following morn- 
ing I would find my horse at my encampment. This was most comfort- 
able information, for the horse was of great value and I had l)ecomc much 
attached to him. I arose at daylight next morning and was ready to 
reciprocate a greeting with my restored steed, who knew me, and by a 
joyful neigh would evince his gladness at my approach. I was dis- 
appointed. My horse had not been returned. I immediately went to 
the wigwam of my friend, the chief, and related to him my disappoint- 
ment. I could see by the convulsive twitch of the muscles of his mouth, 
and his Hashing eye, that his temper was becoming disturbed. Without 
making a remark he again mounted his horse, and as he made the circuit 
of the village, closer to the wigwams than before, he spoke in a louder 
and more impot'.ons voice, and in a manner expressive of the greatest dis- 
approbation. After he had concluded, he told me that my liorsc would 
now be certainly returned to me on the following morning. I felt assured 
12 



300 TirE GREAT WEST 



by his positive manner ; but again I was doomed to disappointment — = 
there was no appearance of my horse. Again I went to the chiet^ and 
when I told hiin that my horse had not been restored, he threw ofl' all the 
stoicism of the savage and gave vent to the most terrible demonstrations 
of rage. lie mounted his horse, and this time rode at a most furious rate 
among the wigwams, to the great danger of warriors, squaws, and papooses, 
who took shelter within their huts, and were anxious to be out of the 
reach of their chief, who was in such a fury. In his mad career through 
the village he spoke in a voice heaving and straining with rage, at the 
same time using the most violent gesticulations. He then told me he 
had given them a lesson of what would come if they would not restore 
the horse, and that I could rest content, for as soon as the following morn- 
ing would break I would find the horse. In the last case his prophecy 
became true, for I found my horse, on the breaking of the following day, 
hitched close by our rendezvous." 

To the same gentleman we are indebted for other interesting and in- 
structive anecdotes, and as they are illustrative of the kind of life led by 
a large portion of the inhabitants of St. Louis, and", though real, are vested 
with the brilliant and attractive hues of romance, we will insert them as 
a relief to the more sober colorings of other parts of this history. 

" At the time I traded up the Missouri," said Mr. Philibert, " very little 
was known of the Rocky Mountains; and it was a matter of the greatest im- 
portance, in attempting to cross, to secure a competent guide, particularly 
during the inclement parts of the year, when the mountains were covered 
with snow, which concealed the landmaiks of the passes, and which could 
only be discovered by those who were familiar with their intricate wind- 
ings, and from experience could trace them, ae if by a clew, through their 
labyrinthical mazes. I had a number of horses, with which I wanted to 
cross the mountains, and failing to secure a good guide, had to depend 
upon the little knowledge I possessed of the passes, and that of my com- 
panion who was assisting me in leading the horses. It was the last of 
autumn; but the Rocky Mountains form the natural throne of winter, 
and in autumn the snow-storms are abundant. We took what we sup- 
posed the right road leading through a small defile of the mountains, 
which for many miles we travelled with every assurance of being upon 
the right path. At length the defile commenced getting narrower and 
deeper, and the snow lay so thick that our horses could no longer advance. 
I thought it only a temporary barrier, and commenced to shovel away the 
snow, which in some places was more than fifty feet in depth. For three 
days we were engaged in this manner, making but little advance, and 
scarcely daring to reflect upon our situation, which was most critical. 
If we had been disposed to return we could not; for the snow had 
drifted and filled up the defile where we had passed. Our only salvation 
was in pushing forward and gaining the other side of the mountains, 
where we could winter in some of the valleys, which would furnish prov- 
ender for the horses in the luxuriant growth of cotton-wood, and the 
grass, which was always fresh beneath the heavy coatings of its dried 
particles, which protected it frotn the winter. For three days and three 
nights we worked incessantly, and at last, accidentally, came upon the 
right passage and soon crossed the Rocky Mountains, where we thought^ 
though we did not express our feelings to each other till afterward, that 



AND HEE COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 301 

we should find our sepulchres. When we arris'ed at the base of the 
mountain, we dis(;overed a temporary wigwam which had been built by 
some wandering party of Indians for protection during some hunting ex- 
pedition. We took a great quantity of dried grass which had been used 
for their horses, and, placing it into a large heap, set it on fire and com- 
menced thawing ourselves out, and as the grateful heat penetrated our 
flesh, shrivelled and shrunk from cold and hunger, we experienced the 
most delicious sensation. Our horses stood around the fire, and appeared 
to enjoy the warmth as much as ourselves. We wintered in that spot, 
faring most sumptuously. The big-horn, a mountain goat, was abundant, 
and we would range off to a good distance, where we found plenty of elk, 
and providing ourselves with the choicest parts of the animals we would 
shoot, would return to our wigwam and feast ourselves until the supply 
was exhausted. To be sure we had neither salt, pepper, bread, nor any 
thing that would supply the place of these articles, yet we had been 
accustomed to these shifts, and there is something in the cold, piercing 
air of those regions which creates appetite and lends more vigor to the 
vital functions. Spending the winter in this manner I actually became 
more fleshy and healthful than ever I was when sojourning amid the com- 
forts of civilization." 

Mr. Philibert informed us, that from 1800 to 1816 St. Louis was the 
rendezvous of many hunters and trappers, who were ready to let them- 
selves to any individual or company who might require their services. 
They were a careless, brave, and improvident set of persons, who would 
frequently form attachments during their intercourse with different tribes ; 
and for the tawny beauties of the forest would consent to build their wig- 
wams among a savage people and adopt their habits and customs. The 
interpreters connected with the traders and fur-companies were usually 
the issue of these renegado Frenchmen and the squaws they had taken as 
wives. 

The white men who thus amalgamated with the Indians, were always 
hailed as a valuable acquisition by the tribes of that early period, from the 
effectual assistance they could render them in their wars against other 
savage nations, having a perfect knowledge of the destructive weapons 
used in civilized warfare, which but few of the Indians could possess, from 
the immense price demanded by the traders for rifles and guns of every 
description, owing to the great cost of transportation to so great a dis- 
tance during the tedious navigation of that period. 

The same gentleman informed us that the only victory the Snake 
Indians — a miserable and cowardly tribe — ever obtained over the Black- 
feet, was when eight reckless white men, from a spirit of revengeful re- 
taliation, from some injury they had received from the Blackfeet, joined 
their warriors and led them against a band of that fearful and warlike 
tribe. 

The white men were all well armed with rifles and adepts in their use, 
and soon forty of the terrible Biackfeet were stretched on the battle- 
field. 

When the Snake Indians returned to their village there was a universal 
jubilee. The fattest dogs were killed to regale the warriors, and the forty 
reeking scalps taken upon that occasion became one of the legendary 
records of tlie tribe. 



302 THE GREAT WEST 



Mr. rhilibert, on one occasion, in his zeal for the chase, and his desire 
to discover new trading points, wandered into tiie Mexican territory, was 
taken prisoner, and carried to Santa Fe. lie was detained there for 
eiglitocn n)onths, having the limits of the city, but not being permitted to 
leave it. lie was afterward released by the interference of government, 
and M. DeMiin, for whom he was trading, recovered a large indemnifica- 
tion from the Mexican government for the goods which his agent had in 
bis possession at the time of his capture, and which were confiscated. 

Immediately after his liberation, Mr. Philibert again joined M. De Mnn's 
comi)any, and as they were on tlie way home they weie set npon by a 
troop of three hundred savages, and the forty white men who composed 
the party, after a contest of some hours, using their wagons for a bari- 
cade, succeeded in repulsing them. 

A fur-company, destined for the Missouri, in 1812, had many more 
difficulties to overcome and dangers to encounter, than a fur-company of 
the present day. There was no steam, with its gigantic power, to drive 
a boat through the wild waters of the rushing Missouri ; but its rapid 
current had to be overcome by the appliances of oars pulled by the sinewy 
arms of man. An expedition starting from St. Louis in April would not 
reach the mouth of the Yellow Stone until the first or second month in 
autun)n, so long and difficult was the voyage. The whole country, with 
the exception of a few small towns, then, from the mouth of the Missouri 
to the Pacific Ocean, was under the perfecl control of savage and power- 
ful tribes of Indians, who had it in their power, at every moment, to 
destroy every expedition in their country, without any immediate danger 
of retribution from our government; and many a daring trapper and ad- 
venturous hunter, confident in his own prowess, has fallen by the hands 
of savages iii those wild solitudes, and the bodies left mangled and unburied, 
to fester by the gradual advance of decomposition, or to have the dese- 
crating s(.'pulture afforded by the wolves or the buzzards. 

As has been before observed, there were many traders in St. Louis who 
carried on the fur-trade in their individual capacity, and with frequently 
but two or three attendants, wouhl go into the wild regions of the Sioux, 
the Pawnees, the Crows, and the Blackfeet, to carry on trade with those 
warlike tribes ; and it is something remarkable that, despite the hard- 
ships and privations incident to the fur-trade at that time, all who 
connected themselves with the expeditions became more robust in health, 
and appeared to gather from the pure atmosphere, in which they were 
compelled by necessity to live in an almost unsheltered state, new sources 
of vitality for the system, which enabled it longer to resist the infirmities 
of age and the approach of death. 

By the articles of association of the Missouri Fur Company, the capital 
stock was limited to fifty thousand dollars, and the leading citizens of St. 
Louis became connected with it; but, like the St. Louis Missouri Fur 
Company, it did notmeetthe expectation that was formed at its commence- 
ment, and in a few years languished and died. The company has sii>ce 
been renewed, and at a proper time we will again allude to it. 

Manuel Lisa, one of the chief directors of the St. Louis Missouri Fur- 
Company, and also of the Missouri Fur Company, was a Spaniard, who 
came from New Orleans to St. Louis a few years previous to the transfer 
of the province of Louisiana to the United States. Uis sole occupation 



il 



AND HER COMMERCIAL MEl'ROPOLIS. 803 

was trading with the Indians, and he appeared to have been formed by 
nature with a predisposition to the pursuit ; for he Uived the venturesome 
life incident to the vocation, and was well versed in all the strange and 
strategic elements wliich compose the Indian character. lie was a 
thorough business man, and possessed an ample share of that peculiar 
cunning characteristic of the Spanish trader. There was also a dash of 
wild romance about liis life, llis first wife had been long a prisoner, with 
her child, among the Indians, until her release was procured by General 
Harrison. Iler husband had been killed at the time she was taken cap- 
tive. Manuel Lisa saw her and her cliild after she had regained her 
freedom, and pitying her misfortunes and destitution — for the charm of 
beauty had all fled — he married her, gave a luxurious home to herself and 
daughter, and treated both in the most atl'ectionate manner until their 
death. 

Manuel Lisa had no children, though twice married. The house in 
which he first lived is still standing, a small portion of the northern part 
only being removed. It is situated in Second street, on the west side, near 
the corner of Spruce, and may be known by the extended portico in front, 
and a kind of pigeon-house roof. The house when built was looked upon 
by the inhabitants of St. Louis as almost a palatial residence, and was built 
and occupied by one of the merchant princes of the growing town. 
Manuel Lisa died near St. Louis, wliere the Sulphur Springs are, and 
his property went to the children of his brother. We will again speak of 
this enterprising merchant in another place. . 

It was in the year 1812 that so many earthquakes occurred in the 
Southern and Western country, causing villages to tumble in ruins, an 
entire change in the face of the country, and a vast destruction of prop- 
erty. In New Madrid particularly, one of those dreadful phenomena of 
nature occurred, which was distinctly felt in St. Louis, and caused much 
alarm to its inhabitants. This earthquake is thus graphically described 
by Dr. Ilildreth of Ohio : 

" The centre of its violence was thought to be near the Little Prairie 
— twenty-five or thirty miles below New Madrid — the vibrations from 
which were felt all over the valley of the Ohio, as high up as I'ittsburgh. 
* * * New Madrid having sufi'ered more than any other town on the 
Mississippi, from its effects, was considered as situated near the focus from 
whence the undulations proceeded. From an eye-witness, who was then 
about forty miles below that town, in a flat-boat, on his way to New 
Orleans, with a load of produce, and who narrated the scene to me, the 
agitation which convulsed the earth, and the waters of the mighty Missis- 
sippi, filled every living creature with horror. The first shock took place 
in the night (December IG, 1811), while the boat was lying at the shofe 
in company with several others. At this period there was danger appre- 
hended from the Southern Indians, it being soon after the battle of 
Tippecanoe, and for safety, several boats kept in company, for mutual de- 
fence, in case of an attack. In the middle of the night there was a 
terrible shock and jarring of the boats, so that the crews were all awakened 
and hurried on deck with their weapons of defence in their hands, think- 
ing the Indians wore rushing on board The ducks, geese, swans, and 
various other aquatic birds, whose numberless flocks were quietly resting in 
the eddies of the river, were thrown into the greatest tumult, and, with loud 



804 THE GREA.T WEST 



screams expressed their alarm in accents of terror. The noise and com- 
motion soon became husiied, and nothing could be discovered to excite 
apprehension ; so that the boatmen concluded that the shock was occa- 
sioned by the falling in of a large mass of the bank of the river near them. 
As soon as there was light enough to distinguish objects, the crews were 
all up making ready to depart. Directly a loud roaring and hissing was 
heard, like the escape of steam from a boiler, accompanied by the most 
violent agitation of the shores, and tremendous boiling up of the waters 
of the Mississippi in huge swells, rolling the water below back on the 
descending stream, and tossing about so violently, that the men could 
with difhciilty keep their feet. The sand-bars and points of the islands 
gave way, swallowed up in the tumultuous bosom of the river, carrying 
down with them cotton-wood trees, cracking and crasliing, tossing their 
arms to and fro, as if sensible of their danger, while they disappeared be- 
neath the flood. The water of the river, wdiich the day before was toler- 
ably clear, being rather low, changed to a reddish hue and became thick 
with mud tlirown up from its bottom ; while the surface, lashed violently 
by the agitation of the earth beneath, was covered with foam, which, 
gathering into masses the size of a barrel, floated along on the trembling 
surface. The earth on the shores opened in wide fissures, and closing 
again, threw the water, sand, and mud, in huge jets, higher than the tops 
of the trees. The atmosphere was filled with a thick vapor, or gas, to 
which the light imparted a purple tinge altogether diflferent in appearance 
from the autumnal haze of the Indian summer, or that of smoke. From 
the temporary check to the current, by the heaving up of the bottom, the 
sinking of the banks and sand-bars into the bed of the stream, the river 
rose in a few minutes five or six feet, and, impatient of the restraint, again 
rushed forward with redoubled impetuosity, hurrying along the boats, now 
let loose by the horror-struck boatmen, as in less danger in the water than 
at the shore, where the banks threatened every moment to destroy them 
by the falling earth, or carry them down in the vortices of the sinking 
masses. Many boats were overwhelmed in this manner, and their crews 
perished with them. It required the utmost exertions of the men to keep the 
boat of which my informant was the owner, in the middle of the river, as 
far from the shores, sand-bars, and islands as they could. Numerous boats 
were wrecked on the snags and old trees thrown up from the bottom of 
the Mississippi, where they had quietly rested for ages ; while others were 
sunk or stranded on the sand-bars and islands. At New Madrid, several 
boats were carried, by the reflux of the current, into a small stream that 
puts into the river just above the town, and left on the ground by the 
returning waters, a considerable distance from the Missisipppi. * * * The 
sulphureted gases that were discharged during the shocks, tainted the 
air with the noxious eftiuvia, and so strongly impregnated the waters of 
the river to the distance of one hundred and fifty miles below, that it 
could hardly be used for any purpose for several days. New Madrid, 
which stood upon a bluff fifteen or twenty feet above the summer floods, 
sank so low, that the next rise covered it to the depth of five feet. The 
bottoms of several fine lakes in the vicinity were elevated so as to be- 
come dry land, and have since been planted with corn." 

These earthquakes being of unusual occurrence, set in motion the 
superstitious elements which so largely make up the character of the In- 



AND HER COMMEKCIAL METROPOLIS. 305 

dians and all barbarous nations. Some sixty miles below St. Louis, as 
has been before stated, the Shawnees and Delavvares had, by the invitation 
of the Spanish government, built some villages and formed a settlement. 
These Indians could feel the shock of the earthquake which was so severe 
in the neighborhood of New Madrid, very sensibly ; and as they felt the 
earth straining and heaving, as if in convulsions, according to their super- 
stitions creed they thought that the Great Spirit was offended, and in 
this way was manifesting his displeasure as a warning and precursor of 
something still more dreadful emanating from his wrath if hasty propitia- 
tion were not made. A writer of that period tlius describes the manner 
in which they attempted to conciliate their Deity : 

" After a general hunt had taken place, to kill deer enough for the un- 
dertaking, a small hut was built to represent a temple or place for offering 
a sacrifice. 

"The ceremony was introduced by a general cleansing of the body and 
the face, the novelty of the occasion rendering it unusually awful and 
interesting. After neatly skinning their deer, they suspended them by 
the fore-feet, so that the heads might be directed to the heavens, before 
the temple, as an offering to the Great Spirit. This propitiatory solemnity 
usually continued three days, and all of the interval was devoted to such 
penance as consists in absolute fasting. At night they lay on their backs 
upon fresh deer-skins, turning their thoughts exclusively to the happy 
prospect of immediate protection, that they might conceive dreams to that 
effect, the only vehicle of intercourse between them and the Great Spirit. 

"During this occasion, the old and young men observed the most rigor- 
ous abstinence from cohabitation with the women, under a solemn persua- 
sion that for a failure thereof, instant death and condemnation awaited ; 
and they gravely, and with much apparent piety, implored the attention 
of the Great Spirit to their unprotected and helpless condition, acknowl- 
edging their absolute dependence upon him, entreating his regard for their 
wives and children, their total disability to master their game, arising from 
a dread of his anger, and concluding by asserting their full assurance that 
their prayers were heard, and that for the future there would be a cessation 
of terrors, and game would again be in plenty, and they would have the 
strength to overcome it. 

"Tliese strange proceedings continued for three days, and they then be- 
lieved that the propitiation was complete, and that they would no more 
feel the effects of the wrath of the offended Deity. They then commenced 
to congratulate each other, related their dreams, and finally, in the enjoy- 
ment of a feast, which three days' abstinence had made them capable of 
appreciating, they concluded their strange and superstitious rites." 

It was in May, 1812, that the chiefs of the Great and Little Osage, the 
Sacs, Kenards, the Shawnees and Delawares, met at St. Louis in order 
to accompany General William Clark to Washington city. It is proper 
here to mention that General William Clark was the brother of General' 
George^Rodgers Clark, the hero of the West during the Revolution. He 
was also the compeer of Lewis during the celebrated expedition to the 
sources of the Missouri and Columbia, and was remarkable for the singu- 
lar po\\er he had over the Indians, who both loved and feared him. He 
had well studied their character in his constant communication with them, 
and almost by intuition could read their secret thoughts. He would dis- 



30G THE GREAT WEBT 



cover their most subtle plans, however wily they may have laid them, and 
was looked upon by them as a Great Medicine, lie was their powerful 
friend on all occasions, and often kept tliein from impositions and wrongs 
which were ready at all times to be practised upon them by unprincipled 
white men. 

It was a curious sight to witness — these chiefs of the most powerful 
tribes coming together, each preserving in their features and attire, some 
peculiarity and custom of their tribe. 

The representatives of these tribes, by the advice of General Clark, con- 
cluded a peace among themselves, and agreed to bury the hatchet. They 
appeared to be moody and taciturn, distantly repelling all familiarity on 
the part of the citizens, who, excited by curiosity, or more friendly feel- 
ings, endeavored to enter into conversation. With that cold, impassive 
stoicism, for which the Indians in their palmy days, when undegraded by 
constant association with the white men, were remarkable, they heeded no 
inquiry ; and if pressed too closely by questions, wonld lift their straight 
forms still more lofty, and wrapping their blankets closer around them, 
would stride contemptuoush^ away. An eye-witness to the scene has 
related these facts to us. 

On the oth of May General Clark departed with these chiefs to the 
federal citv, for tlie purpose of some negotiation with the general gov- 
ernment, and also that they might witness the wealth and power of the 
United States, and make them the more anxious to cultivate friendly rela- 
tions. 

The Indians at all times, were objects of disquietude and alarm ; for 
both east and west of the Mississippi, all eflorts to conciliate them by pres- 
ents or kindness, or to subdue them by arms, were found to be abortive 
in producing any continued and permanent peace. They would profess 
friendship, but onl}' for the purpose uf throwing the inhabitants oti their 
guard, and then the settlements would become alarmed by the news of 
some horrible murders by bands of armed savages. 

Governor Howard, who tilled the executive chair in the territory of Lou- 
isiana was kept continually agitated by these alarms, and may be said to 
have spent nearly the whole term of his office in efforts for protecting the 
territory from the incursions of the Indians, and notwithstanding his vig- 
ilance and energy, massacres were continually committed. He and Gov- 
ernor Ninian Edwards of Illinois, acted in concert to protect the inhab- 
itants of the two territories, and kept constantlv in employ large and well 
organized bands of militia, which Kept the savages at bay, and almost 
effectually restrained their power of committing evil. Tecumsch, and his 
brother the Prophet, endeavored to sow defection among all the savage 
tribes east and west of the Mississippi, and even endeavored to form them 
into a league for the purpose of preventing the further encroachments of 
the whites, and force them east of the Alleghanies. 

Since the days of Pontiac, Tecumseh was the most talented chieftain ever 
born in the American wilds, and, animated by the patriotic desire of pro- 
tecting his race and preserving its existence as a people, he or his 
brother the Prophet, visited most of the distant tribes, making eloquent 
appeals to their passions, by telling them of the magnitude of their ancient 
possessions, the broad expanse of their hunting-grounds, and of the happi- 
ness of the red man when he worshipped the Great Spirit after the custom 



AND HEK COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 307 

of their ancestors. After thus looking into the past to excite their pride, 
they drew before them their present state to excite their vengeance. They 
showed them, since the advent of the white man, how their lands had been 
encroached upon, their fame and power diminished, and how they were 
forced gradually to the setting sun from the forests wlierc their fathers 
hunted, and from the graves where their mothers lay. They then brought 
before them the daring deeds of the great warriors of the red men, whose 
spiritual forms were then chasing the chamois and the buffalo in the happy 
hunting-fields, and asked them to emulate their glory, retrieve the lustre 
of their name, and all the red men raising the tomahawk together, should 
tread with quick step the war-path, and with the fii'es of vengeance burn- 
ing and seething through their veins, should visit with dire wrath the 
invaders of their land, and the curse and bane of their race. 

Under the harangues of these celebrated chieftains, the infectious spirit 
of discontent was spread among all the tribes, from the Alleghanies to the 
Upper Missouri, and the bold pioneers with their families, tar in the wil- 
derness, fell beneath thefury of the excited savages, and their little cabins, 
after the work of human slaughter had been completed, were burned to 
the ground. 

In Illinois and Indiana, the savages succeeded in organizing in an effec- 
tual manner, and only by the fall of Tecumseh at the battle of the Thames, 
was the country relieved from a fearful coalition. In Missouri, there were 
many isolated murders, but there was no coalition of sufficient importance 
to fear any regular invasion. Especially in Missouri, so well was the 
Indian character understood, that there would have been very little trouble, 
had not the English, on the declaration of war in 1812, according to their 
custom sent their emissaries into the country of the savage, and used everv 
artful and mercenary motive to incite them against the Americans. Yet, 
on the Missouri, their efforts were nearly fruitless, only some of the reck- 
less belonging to some of the tribes, consenting to take part in the English 
cause. This was owing in a great measure to the fact that the whole of 
the trade of the Missouri, was under the control of merchants in St, Louis, 
and the supplies furnished by them which served at first as a gratification 
of luxury, by habitual continuance became a necessary. The Indians 
could no longer do without their powder, ball, guns, blankets, vermilion, 
etc., since they had been furnished so long with these articles, that their 
natures appeared to have undergone a change, had adapted themselves to 
their uses, and demanded a continuance. They were careful, then, not to 
commit themselves by any approved act of hostility toward the American 
government, and were not to be moved by the artful persuasions and 
presents of the British emissaries. Whenever it was known that any of 
the tribe had committed murder among the whites, they were immedi- 
ately given up to the ruling chiefs, and this summary mode of expressing 
their disapprobation, intimidated the young warriors, who were anxious 
on every pretext to sound the war-whoop, and enter on the v'ar-path.* 

The war with England in 1812, except in exciting disaffection among 
the Indians, had very little effect upon St. Louis. She could hear the 

* In the neighborhood of Florissant and Cote Sans Dessein there were many murders 
committed by the savages, but it is not the province of this work to enter into any 
detail of events outside of the preciucts of St. Louis. 



308 THE GEEAT WEST 



stonn in the distance, but she was too far removed from the sea-coast to 
be affected, and the thunder and lightning of British warfare hurtLd in 
the distant part of the country, and were there exhausted. The contest, 
howevei", was one of lively interest to the people of St. Louis, and the print- 
ing-office of the Missouri Gazttte and Illinois Advtrtiser, the name which 
the present Missouri Republican bore during the war, was continually 
crowded with anxious citizens to hear the news from the East, and, as 
almost every week brought some triumph of American arms on sea or 
land, there was much congratulation among the inhabitants that the ter- 
rors of the English lion were of little avail, and that it was at length bowed 
and conquered. 

When peace was declared, and on terms so honorable to the United 
States, there was universal rejoicing ; for tiie pride of England was humbled, 
which was a source of considerable satisfaction, and the trade of Mackinaw 
would again be opened, which was more important to the people of 
St Louis as a trading post, than was New Orleans, though situated on the 
great Mississippi River. 

In September, 1814, we saw three advertisements in the journal we 
have just noticed that are significant memorials of the times, and serve as 
beacon-lights to guide us safely to its history. One of the advertisements 
was as follows : 

"Sleight of Hand. — John Eugene Leistendorfer, will exhibit on the eve 
of the 24th inst., and on every succeeding Saturday evening during the 
season, at the same house where he peiformed last year, a number of 
sleight-of-hand tricks, for the amusement of the ladies and gentlemen of 
this town and vicinity — among which he will perform the following: 

"Any person of the company may cut off tlie head of aliviijg chicken, 
and then he will immediately restore it to life with its head on. 

" lie will cause a shawl or handkerchief to be cut in two pieces. One 
of the halves will be burnt, the other cut into small pieces, and he will 
return it entire. 

" A new way of proving good whiskey, by putting a penknife or any 
other light article in a tumbler, and in pouring the whiskey on it ; if there 
is any water in the whiskey, the penknife will move only, but if the whis- 
key is good, the penknife will jump of itself out of the water, 

"He will catch between his teeth a ball discharged from a pistol, actu- 
ally loaded and fired by one of the visitors, and after having performed a 
great inany more tricks, too long to be enumerated, he will conclude by 
eating live coals of fire. 

" The Prophet Ilabdula Rakmany, of Egypt, an automaton figure, will 
perform several extraordinai-y and curious feats. 

"Constrained by misfortune thus to ca 1 upon the good people of this 
territory for their assistance, he begs leave to observe that he is the same 
Colonel Leistendorfer who served under General Eaton, in the capacity 
of guide, adjutant, inspector-general, and chief engineer in passing the 
desert of Lybia. 

" Certificates from severid gentlemen high in office in this government, 
testifv to his character and service. 

" Performance to commence precisely at seven o'clock, P. M. Admit- 
tance, fifty cents. Children, half price." 



A2rD HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 309 

This advertisement of the wizard goes to show that the people of 
St Louis in 1814 were not a jot ditierent from the people of the towns 
and villages of the present day. They were fond of amusement, but as 
yet no building had been erected suitable for any exhibition of dramatic 
performance, and some stable-loft, or untenantable building, was usually 
fitted up to answer the purpose of these itinerant exhibitors who came to 
the city. 

It is said that Colonel Leistendorfer had no cause to regret his visit to 
St. Louis, and when he departed, after a protracted stay of three months, 
his pockets were well filled with the pure Mexican coin, and he enjoyed 
the reputation of either being Old Xick himself, who by some device had 
escaped from his fiery regions, or else he was on terms of the closest 
intimacy with that individual, so astonishing were the wonders he per- 
formed. He afterward settled in Carondelet.i'* 

In the journal of the same date we see a notice of a sale of land by the 
heirs of Madame Cliouteau, then deceased. It was the sale of the lot on 
which she had resided, situated between Second and Main, and Cliesnut 
and Market, on which Laclede Liguest had built, and donated to Madame 
Chouteau and her children ; she having only the usufructuary title, the fee- 
simple vesting in her children, as we have stated in another portion of 
this history. So as to sell the land to the best advantage, the lot was 
divided into four portions ; for land in that portion of the town was in 
great demand. In this maimer we find out the time when this piece of 
property was divided, which was so strong a testimonial of the generosity 
of the founder of St. Louis. 

At the same date, also, we see a public notice given, that on the 
15th of Decen)ber, subscription books would be open at St. Louis, St. 
Charles, Ilerculaneum, Mine a Breton and St. Genevieve, Missouri Terri- 
tory, and at Kaskaskia and Cahokia, Illinois Territory, for the purpose of 
taking stock in the new-established bank at St. Louis. The business of 
St. Louis had so much increased, that it was found neces-ary to create a 
bank to supply its wants and conveniences. The bank was incorporated 
August 21st, 1816. The commissioners of that bank consisted of the fol- 
lowing-named gentlemen : Auguste Chouteau, John B. C. Lucas, Clement 
B. Penrose, Moses Austin, Bernard Pratte, Manuel Lisa, Thomas Brady, 
Bartholomew Berthold, Samuel Hammond, Rufns Easton, Robert Simp- 
son, Christian Wilt, and Kisdon H. Price. The commissioners called 
a meeting of the stockholders, on the 2d of September, 1810, and the 
following thirteen gentlemen were elected directors: Samuel Hammond, 
William Rector, Bernard Pratte, Risdon H. Price, Moses Austin, E. B. 
Clempson, Theodore Hunt, Justus Post, Robert Simpson, Charles N. Hunter, 
Walter Wilkinson, Theophilus W. Smith, and Elias Bates. The directors 
then met on the 20th of September, for the purpose of electing bank offi- 
cers, and Colonel Samuel Hammond was elected president, and John B, 
N. Smith, cashier. 

All felt that a bank was a necessity, and some of the leading citizens 
of the town became connected with the new institution. For a time the 
little town felt the benefit of a banking-hou-se, and the current of business 
swelled in volume and moved with increased vitality, from the flood of 
money that was poured upon all its channels. It is the law of nature that 
the greater the flood the greater the ebb, and the tide of business, when 



310 THE GREAT WEST 



it swells and inflates to an excessive magnitude, will have its hour of col- 
lapse, and shrink into contracted boundaries. The sudden influx of money 
poured out by the new bank gave an unnatural expansion to commercial 
affairs, created a spirit of speculation and extravagance, and jeopardized 
every thing by the dangerous momentum which it gave. 

The hank had not been in operation for more than two years before 
the public felt convinced that something was wrong in the flnancial foun- 
tain which at first distilled so largely its supplies, and afterward became 
so meagre and exsiccated that business commenced to languish for the 
want of its usual support and nurture. 

The directors felt convinced that the cashier of the bank had exceeded 
his powers and loaned at too much hazard the money of the bank. At a 
meeting which took place on the 11th of February, 1818, Theophilus W. 
Smith was elected cashier, in the place of John B. N. Smith, the former 
officer, which election, being displeasing to some of the directors, a portion 
of them resigned, and, feeling that the business of the bank was not car- 
ried on in a legitimate and prudent manner, they took the keys of the 
bank, vi et armis, and it was some time before they could be prevailed 
upon to give them up again to the proper officers. 

Then the business of the bauk was in so deranged a state, that it was 
impossible that it would ever recover from its difficulties, and an honorable 
policy demanded tiiat it should be wound up; but this seizure of the keys 
created a sympathy in its favor, and as the officers pleaded the part of 
injured innocence, they found many friends among the people. They 
asked for a little while to arrange and ameliorate their affairs, which they 
acknowledged were somewhat embarrassed on account of a large Kentucky 
loan made by the former cashier. After several months occupied in 
putting their business on a proper footing, the bank again opened its doors, 
but only for a short period. It had been tottering for more than a year, 
and fell at last, dragging in its fsill the fortunes and prospects of many in- 
dividuals, and ruining the reputation of others, who were strongly suspected 
of sacrificing their moral principle to cupidity. The ruin of the bank was 
followed by many vexatious lawsuits, which were productive of but little 
pecuniary benefit of, except to the legal gentlemen who conducted them 
through all the lengthened chain q{ nisi prius and appellate process. 

A little while after the establishment of the Uank of St. Louis, the 
Missouri Bank came into existence, and was incorporated February 1st, 
1817. The commissioners who were appointed by the stockholders to 
receive subscriptions, were Charles Gratiot, William Smith, John McKnight, 
Jean B. Cabanne, and Matthew Kerr; and these gentlemen were mainly 
instrumental in bringing the bank into existence. The first cashier was 
Lilburn W. Boggs, and the first president Auguste Chouteau. 

It will give the reader an insight of the leading citizens by givino- the 
names of the stockholders and the amount of stock for which they sub- 
scribed. The shares were one hundred dollars each. 

Shares. Shares. 



Thomas F. Eiddick, HI $S,100 

William Smilli, 30 '5,000 

Jean P. Cabanne 30 3,000 

Berlhold & Clumteau, 30 3,000 

Auguste Chouteau, 30 3,000 



Christian Wilt, 30 $3,000 

Joseph Philipson, 20 2,000 

McKnijiht & Brady 30 3,000 

Thomas Hanley, 20 2,000 

Brady & McKnight, 20 2,000 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 



311 



Shares. 

Matthew Kerr & Bell, 20 $2,000 

Charles Gratiot, 20 2,000 

Sylvestre Labbadie, 15 1,500 

Frederick Bates, 15 1,500 

M.D.Bates, 15 1,500 

John Little 15 1,500 

Thomas Hemp.stead, 10 1,000 

Lilbiirn W. Boggs & Co., . . 10 1,000 

James Clemens, Jr 10 1,000 

Moses Scott, 10 1.000 

Elisha Beebe, 10 1,000 

Holmes & Elliot, 10 1,000 

Alexander McNair, 10 1,000 

Wm. E. Carr, 10 1,000 

Michael Tesson, 10 1,000 

J. & G. Lindell, 10 1,000 

John W. Thompson, 10 1,000 

Wra. E. Pescay, 10 1,000 

Thomas Brady, 10 1,000 

J. N. Amoure'ux, 10 1,000 

C. N. B. Allen, 10 1,000 

Henry Von Phul & Co., 10 1,000 

John B. C. Lucas, 20 2,000 

Antoine Chenie, 10 1,000 

Wm. Christy, 10 1,000 

Robert Walsh, 10 1,000 

P. J. & J. G. Lindell, 10 1,000 

Jeremiah Connor, 10 1,000 

Michael Ely 5 500 

Charles Bosseron, 5 500 

Michael Dollan, 5 500 

Thomas Peebles, 5 500 

Evariste Maury, 5 500 

A. Landreville, 5 500 

D. Delaun)', 5 500 

M. P. Leduc, 5 500 

Samuel Edgar, 5 500 

Total amount 



Shares. 

Emilien Yosti, 5 $500 

Charles Dehault Delassus, . 5 500 

Silas Bent, 5 500 

Benjamin O'Fallon, 5 500 

Farrar & Reed, . . .' 3 300 

Nero Lyons, 3 300 

Josiah Brady, 3 300 

C. M. Price, 3 300 

Christian F. Shewe, 3 300 

A. L. Papin, 3 300 

Ciiarles Sanguinet, 2 200 

James Irwin, 2 200 

Antoine Danjiii 2 200 

Joseph Robidoux, 2 200 

Silas Curtis, 2 200 

John B. Zenoni, 2 200 

A. Rutgers, 2 200 

Peter Provenchere, 2 200 

Cliristian Smith, 2 200 

R. DavL<!, 2 200 

Epliraim Town, 2 200 

Wm.. Cabane 2 200 

Macky Wherry, 2 200 

Marguerite Lacaise, 2 200 

Francois V'alois, 2 200 

P. Lee, 2 200 

Peter Primm, 1 100 

Wm. Sullivan, 1 100 

Samuel Solomon, 1 1 00 

Bartholomew Arnauld,. .. . 1 100 

Jo.seph Charless, 5 500 

Edward Addarly, 5 500 

Antoine Soulard, 4 400 

Joseph Henderson, Jr,.. . .10 1,000 

Michael Lacroix, . 10 1,000 

Pierre Meuard, 30 3,000 



$78,500 



All of these names were either residents of St. Louis or its vicinity, 
and it was their intention to establish a bank on a more extended basis 
than the Bank of St. Louis, which was at that time (in September, 181Y), 
•in its golden age of prosperity. Their bright hopes were doomed to 
disappointment. The first days were the days of their innocence and 
their promise. Both indulged to some extent in the gambling spirit 
of speculation ; both sinned by violating the legitimate laws of banking, 
and in a few years, with their prospects all blasted, ended their existence 
in ruin and disgrace. 

The Bank of Missouri had a capital of $250,000, and was one of the 
banks of deposit of the public moneys. It entered into being with the 
perfect confidence of the public ; but, like most banking institutions, it 
hazarded its money in the hands of the speculator, whose every move on 
the checker-board of life is at random, and at variance with that calcula- 
tion and foresight which give certainty and success to business pursuits. 
It paid but little attention to the limited wants of the industrious, who, 
by each day's labor in a proper vocation, were adding to the general 
wealth. It listened to the gorgeous schemes of the speculator, who 



312 THE GREAT WEST 



lives a drone, useless and unprofitable, continually disturbing tlio har- 
monious orbits of business life, until all the witchery of the visionary's 
projects seduced its directors from that business caution which alone gives 
security to financial operations. Though the fall of the Bank of St. Louis 
should have been fraught with instruction, yet it followed in the same 
course, was drawn into the same vortex, and was at length swallowed up 
in the same maelstrom of wild speculation. Like its predecessor, it de- 
ranged to a great extent the channels of business, and crippled in its fall 
many deserving and industrious citizens, who faithfully tried to sustain 
the " falling ruins." 

On Tuesday, June 6th, 1816, Manuel Lisa arrived in St. Louis, accom- 
panied by forty-three chiefs of the different nations on the Missouri. They 
came to St. Louis for the purpose of seeing Governor Clark, whom they 
always esteemed their friend, that he would signify to the president of 
the United States their wish to assist him in his contemplated chastise- 
ment of the Sacs and other nations of the Upper Mississippi who were 
hostile to our government. Among the number was Big Elk, the Omaha 
chief, whom Mr. Catlin, in his Indian history, has so long dwelt upon and 
eulogized, and Partisan, the Teton chief, who made an unsuccessful effort 
to stop Messrs. Lewis and Clark in their journey to the Pacific ocean. 
There were also chiefs of the Oncas, the Sioux and the Yanctons. 

The next day after their arrival, when they were all assembled in coun- 
cil, they addressed Governor Clarke in language which, being translated, 
was in substance as follows. 

"My Father: We have come a long way to see you, to receive infor- 
mation. The white people call the Indians dogs; they are so, but we 
are inoffensive dogs who traverse the plains in search of food. The hands 
of the Sioux are clean ; they never have been stained with the blood of 
the whites. We are not like those nations who receive your presents, 
and put them under their blankets, and then tr.rn their backs to you. 
Put something sharp in our hands, that we may help ourselves, and by so 
doing, help you. The sky is clear, and the great Father of the world 
hears v.- hat we say." 

After the Sioux chief had taken his seat. Big Elk, the great chief 
of the Omahas, rose up in the assembly. He had a towering form, 
and his countenance wore the expression of loftiness and intelligence. A 
tastefully dressed buffalo-skin hung from his shoulders to his heels, on 
which were painted bloody and black hands intermingled with red stripes, 
and the course of the Missouri from its mouth to their village. The 
waters of the Missouri were of a red color. 

The Omaha chief, when he rose in the assembly, took his robe from his 
broad and muscular shoulders, and holding it toward Governor Clark, 
thus explained to him the symbols that were upon it. He told him to 
look upon the red hands — that they were Americans, and the black hands 
were Indians, and the bloody stripes were inflicted by the Americans and 
hostile Indians. He closed with telling him that the whites had killed 
an Omaha chief, and that the Missouri was red with his blood. 

At this charge against the whites. Governor Clark was much sur- 
prised; but when he succeeded in ascertaining the time, he learned that 
some time during the Spanish domination, a trader from St. Louis had 
killed an Omaha Indian, which had been remembered to this time. Gov- 



AND 'HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 313 

ernor Clark explained to the chief the chans^e of government, and that 
the United States could not be held responsible for the oftence. The 
chief listened, with some surprise at the explanation, and was apparently 
satisfied. 

Manuel Lisa understood the Protean phases of the Indian character ; 
and met all of their wiles and strategic lore with a masterly power which 
surprised and subdued them. He was of great service to the United States 
in defeating the arts of the British emissaries, who were ever on the alert to 
prejudice and excite them to hostility against our government. His suc- 
cess as a trader created some envy, and reports became circulated in St. 
Louis that he had appropriated goods and moneys belonging to govern- 
ment to his own purposes. The charges were slanderous and unfounded ; 
for, though as a trader he was an adept in the legitimate license of bar- 
gaining, yet, in his extrinsic connections, he was liberal and honorable. 
We here append a letter which he wrote to Governor Clark, denying the 
charges which had been rumored against him, and resigning the office of 
Indian agent, which he had held for three years. 

" St. Louis, July Is/, 1817. 
" To HIS Excellency Governor Clark : 

" Sir : — I have the honor to remit to you the commission of sub agent, 
which you were pleased to bestow upon me in the summer of 1814, for 
the Indian nations who inhabit the Missouri River, above the mouth of 
the Kansas, and to pray you to accept my resignation of that appoint- 
ment. 

"The circumstances under which I do this demand of me some exposition 
of tbe actual state of these Indians, and of my own conduct during the 
time of my subagency. 

"Whether I deserve well or ill of the government depends upon the so- 
lution of these questions: 1st. Are the Indians of the Missouri more or 
less friendly to the United States than at the time of my appointment? 
2d. Are they altered, better or worse, in their own condition, during 
this time ? 

"To the first proposition I have to say, that I received this appointment 
when war was raging between the United States and Great Dritain, and 
when the activity of British emissaries had armed against the republic 
all the tribes of the Upper Mississippi and of the northern lakes. Had 
the Missouri Indians been overlooked by British agents ? No. Your 
excellency will remember that more than a year before the war broke out 
I gave you intelligence that the wampu7n was carrying by British influence 
along the banks of the Missouri, and that all the nations of this great 
river were excited to join the universal confederacy then setting on foot, 
of which the profit was the instrument, and the British traders the soul. 
The Indians of the Missouri are to those of the Upper Mississippi as four 
are to one. Their weight would be great, if thrown into the scale against 
ns. They did not arm against the republic; on the contrary, they armed 
against Great Britain, and struck the lowas, the allies of that power. 
When peace was proclaimed, more than forty chiefs had intelligence with 
me; and together we were to carry an expedition of several thousand 
warriors against the tribes of the Upper Mississippi, and silence them at 
once. These things are known to your excellency. 



314 THE GREAT WEST 



"To the end of the war, therefore, the Indians of the Missouri continued 
of the United States. How are they to-day, when I come to lay down 
my appointment ? Still friends, hunting in peace upon their own grounds, 
and we trading with them in security, while the Indians of the Upp.er 
Mississippi, silenced but not satisfied, give signs of enmity, and require 
the presence of a military force : and thus the first question resolves itself 
to my advantage. 

"To the second question I thus reply : — Before I ascended the Missouri 
as subagent, your excellency remembers what was accustomed to take 
place. The Indians of that river killed, robbed and pillaged the traders; 
these practices are now no more. Not to mention others, my own estab- 
lishments furnish the example of destruction then, of safety now. I have 
one among the Omahas, more than six hundred miles up the Missouri, 
another at the Sioux, more than six hundred miles further still. I have 
from one to two hundred men in my employment, quantities of horses, of 
horned cattle, of hogs, of domestic fowls. Not one is touched by an In- 
dian ; for I count as nothing some solitary thefts, at the instigation of 
white men, my enemies; nor as an act of hostility, the death of Pedro 
Antonio, one of my people, shot this spring, as a man is sometimes shot 
amongst us, without being stripped or mutilated. And thus the morals 
of these Indians are altered for the better, and the second question equally 
results to my advantage. 

"I have had some success as a trader; and this success gives rise to 
many reports. 

"' Manuel Lisa must cheat the government, and Manuel Lisa must cheat 
the Indians ; otherwise he could not bring down every summer many 
boats loaded with rich furs.' 

"Good. My account with government will show whether I receive any 
thing out of which to cheat it. A poor five hundred dollars, as subagent 
salary, does not buy the tobacco which I annually give to those who call 
ma father. 

" 'Cheat the Indians.' The respect and friendship which they have for 
me, the security of my possessions in the heart of their country, respond 
to this charge, and declare, with voices louder than the tongues of men, 
that it cannot be true ."but Manuel Lisa gets so much rich fur ! Well, I 
will explain how I get it. First, I put into my operations great activity. 
I go a great distance, while some are considering whether they will start 
to-day or to-morrow. I impose upon myself great privations. Ten 
months in the year I am buried in the depths of the forest, at a vast dis- 
tance from my own house. I appear as the benefactor, not as the pillager 
of the Indian. I carried among them the seed of the large pumpkin, 
from which I have seen in their possession fruit weighing one hundred 
and sixty pounds ; also the large bean, the potato, the turnip ; and these 
vegetables will make a comfortable part of their subsistence; and this 
year 1 have promised to carry the plough. Beside, my blacksmiths work 
incessantly for them, charging nothing. I lend them traps, only demand- 
ing a preference in their trade. My establishments are the refuge of the 
weak, and of the old men no longer able to follow their lodges ; and by 
these means I have acquired the confidence and friendship of the natives 
and the consequent choice of their trade. 

" These things have I done, and I propose to do more. The Ricaroes 




STEAMER SUBMARINE, No. 12, Belonging to the Western River Improvement 

and Wrecking Company of St. Louiq 

S. H. Laplin, President. w r Pit.i,.„v, 

vv. L. BucHANNAN, Secretary. 




MISSOURI MEDICAL COLLEGE. 
Joseph N. McDctwell, Dean of Faculty, 



CHRISTIAN BROTHERS' SCHOOL 
Brother Patrick, President. 



\ \ 




\ 






NEW MASONIC HALL. 
Corner of Market and 7th Streets. 




MERCANTILE LIBRARY HALL BUILDING. 
5th Street corner of Locust. 



AND H"ER COMMEECIAL METROPOLIS. 315 

and the Mandans, the Gros-Ventres and the Assinniboins, find themselves 
near the establishment of Lord Selkirk, upon the Red River. They can 
communicate with it in two or three days. The evils of such a communi- 
cation will strike the minds of all persons, and it is for those who can handle 
the power to dilate upon them. 

" For me, T s^o to form another establishment, to counteract the one in 
question, and shall labor to draw upon us the esteem of these natives, 
to prevent their commerce from passing- into the hands of foreifrners. 

" I regret to have troubled your excellency with this exposition. It is 
right for you to hear what is said of a public agent, and also to weigh it, 
and consider the source whence it comes. In ceasing to be in the employ 
of the United States I shall not be less devoted to its interest. I have 
suffered enough in person and in property, under a different government, 
to know how to appreciate the one under which I now live. 

" I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, your excellency's 
obedient servant, " Manuel Lisa." 

"St. Louis, Juh/ 2d, 1817. 

"Sir: — Last year I arrived from the Missouri the 22d of June, and 
learned that scandalous reports were circulated against me. I wrote and 
published an article in the Gazette of this town. The calumny was re- 
futed, and the authors refused to unmask themselves. On the first of 
September, I re-entered the Missouii, and ascended it to my upper estab- 
lishment, a distance of twelve hundred miles. Returning to this j)lace on 
the 14th instant, I learned from you the day before yesterday, that cer- 
tain scandalous reports were again on foot to my prejudice. 

" 1. That I liad disposed of the merchandise of government to my own 
account. 

" 2. That I had not brought down the Panis to treat with the commis- 
sioners at St. Louis, upon their requisition. 

" 3. That I had prevented the Omahas from revenging upon the Sioux 
the murder of Pedro Antonio. 

" 4. That 1 had misapplied the provisions given to mo last year, for the 
Sioux and Oinahas returning home. 

" 5. That I sold whiskey to the Indians. 

" I owe it to you, sir, from whom I received the appointment of sub- 
agent, to exculpate myself from these charges, which I propose to do in a 
few words. 

"1. I received your order the 24th of August, 1814, to receive from 
Mr. Sibley, $1,.335 of merchandise, prices of St. Louis, to be distributed 
among the Indians of the Missouri, to engage them in offensive opera- 
tions against the enemies of the United States. The 20th of August, 
the same year. General Howard, in his official letter, wrote to me, saying, 
'I hope yon will be able to raise the Sioux against the other Indians 
of the Mississippi. If you succeed in exciting them to war, it is impor- 
tant, at least, that one of the principal chiefs of each band should come 
to St. Louis.' 

" I distributed the merchandise. I raised the war parties. The presents 

were made among the Omahas and the Yanctons. The former made 

some scalps, which were brought to St. Louis, in February, 1815. I gave 

a rendezvous to the Yanctons, at the entry of the river a Jacques, where 

13 



316 THE GREAT WEST 



there met me about nine hundred Avaniors, and went and took twenty- 
seven scalps from the allies of Great Britain, the lowas of the Upper 
Mississippi ; and completed the request of General Howard, by bringing 
down to St. Louis forty-seven warrior chiefs. This is all of the mer- 
chandise I have received from government ; it has all been distributed, 
and the objects of the distribution have all been accomplished. 

" 2. The Panis were not brought down. That is true. I did not bring 
them because the official letter of Mr. Sibley prevented me from doing 
it. I wrote to you on the 29th of June past, and enclosed this letter, and 
consider no other details necessary to my justification; as I could not 
doubt the official statement of an accredited Indian agent, that the treaty 
was closed, and that it was not the wish of the commissioners that any 
more Indians should be brought down. 

" 3. I did prevent the Omahas from revenging on the Sioux the 
murder of Pedro Antonio. The case was this : Antonio, a Spaniard in 
my service, was killed nine miles from my establishment. His comrades 
fled, and gave me intelligence. I took one hundred and ninety-two war- 
riors of the Omaha tribe, and went to the spot. Those who did the 
mischief had fled. The Omahas, impatient for blood, were eager to follow. 
I stopped them with my own presents and my own influence, and I take 
honor to myself for having done it. The body of Antonio was not mu- 
tilated ; it was covered with a blanket, and his face with a hat ; his 
comrades might have been killed — they were not hurt. The death of 
Antonio, then, was a case of simple murder, and not an act of national 
hostility on the part of the Sioux. For one guilty act, must I turn loose 
two hundred warriors upon the innocent ? Forget all moral principle, and 
turn barbarian myself, because in a country called savage ? Beside, I liad 
among the Sioux at my upper establishment, two Americans and a Creole, 
who must have felt the tomahawk if I had revenged upon the innocent, 
the death of Pedro Antonio. I rejoice that the stupid calumniators have 
made this charge. In attempting to render such conduct criminal, they 
show the business of which they are capable, and the crimes they are ready 
to commit to injure me. 

"4. I had a contract for a certain sum, 6l,]00, and a certain quantity 
of provisions, to conduct the Omahas and the Sioux, the last fall, to their 
rtspective homes. There were forty-seven men of them, and the voyage 
was of three months. I received from the clerk of the commissioner, Mr. 
Wash, the order for the provisions, and the papers of his office will show 
the quantity. It will, then, be easy to calculate that barely enough Avas 
allowed to conduct the chiefs to their homes, and they were conducted 
there ; and thus there is no room for misapplication of a surplus which 
did not exist. 

" 5. That I have sold whiskey to the Indians. 

" If this charge be true, it is capable of being proved. There are in 
this town, at present, many persons who have been in my employment, 
characters of the first respectability; also five nations with whom I have 
traded ; among tliem can be found witnesses to attest the fact, if it be 
true. On the contrary, I appeal to the whole of them, and pronounce it 
a vile falsehood. At the same time, it is an act of hospitality indispensa- 
ble in his intercourse with the Indians, for the trader to treat his hunters 
with small presents of liquor. They look for it, and are dissatisfied if they 



AND HER COMISIERCIAL METROPOLIS. 



517 



do not receive it. The permanent trader makes such presents with dis- 
cretion. I have made them, and urged the necessity of them to your 
excellency. 

"Thus much I have been induced to write and publish, to refute the 
slanders against me, because I have but just arrived, and my affairs will 
require me soon to depart again, and I cannot be here to contradict them 
in person. 

" I have the honor to be, with respect and consideration, &c., 

Manuel Lisa." 
'' His Excellency Wm. Clark." 



We give a list of the St. Louis retail prices current, of November 23d, 
1816, which will afford a pretty correct idea of the market of the territo- 
rial city at that period. 

ST. LOUIS RETAIL PRICES CURRENT. 



Beef, on foot, per cvvt $4 00 

Bread, ship, none 00 

Butler, per lb 25 

Beeswax, do 25 

Candles, do 25 

Cheese, do 25 

" common, do 12^ 

Ckfe'r^^' [ ^°°® '° market.. . . 00 

Coffee, per lb 50 

Cotton, do 40 

" yarn, No. 10 1 25 

Feathers, per lb 50 



Flour, per bbl., S. fine, in demand $16 00 
" Horse-mill do., per cwt.. . G 00 

Grain — Wheat, per bush I 00 

Rye, do 62^ 

Barley, do 75 



Corn, 
Oats, 



do. 
do. 



37 
37 



Gunpowder, per lb 1 00 

Hams, do 12 

Hides, per piece, 2 75 

Hogs' lard, per lb 12 

Bears' do., per gal 1 50 

Honey, do 1 00 



It now becomes our duty to relate an event which created at the time 
much excitement, and by its tragical termination brought anguish and deso- 
lation into the parental household, and mourning by the hearthstone of 
friendship. The circumstance alluded to is the death of Charles Lucas, 
who was attorney of the United States of Missouri Territory, in a duel with 
Thomas IL Benton. We do not wish to kindle again the ashes of the 
past, and shall only relate the facts which are required by this history, 
without making any comments upon them. 

The commencement of the controversy took place in a court-house, 
when the two legal gentlemen were engaged in a cause on opposite sides. 
In the zeal for their clients they both forgot the courtesy which was due 
to each other, the court, and their brother members, and indulged in harsh 
and vituperative language. 

Colonel Benton, chafing at what he considered an insult, sent Mr. Lucas 
a challenge, which Mr. Lucas declined accepting, on the ground that his 
professional statements to a jury should not be the basis of a quarrel 
sufficient to cause him to jeopardize his own life or that of another. The 
poisoned arrow of vengeance had touched the sensitive organization of 
both, and it caused, on a future occasion, a very little pretext to make the 
wounds rankle and the blood to boil like a seething cauldron. 

They were opposed in politics, and were looked upon as the leaders 
of their respective parties. At a political meeting, both of the yonng 
champions became excited on some topic of controversy, and Mr. Lucas 



318 THE GREAT WEST 



sent a challenge to Colonel Benton, which was accepted. The parties met 
at Bloody Island, opposite St. Louis, on the morning of the r2th of 
Angust, 1817, with pistols, to decide their difference. They took their 
stations at ten paces, and fired simultaneously — th.e ball of Colonel Ben- 
ton inflicting a severe wound iipou the neck of Mr. Lucas, whose ball, 
striking the ground a few feet from Colonel Benton, bounced from some 
object it struck, and came in contact with his knee, causing a slight con- 
tusion. 

The wound of Mr. Lucas caused a great effusion of blood, and his sur- 
geon withdrew him from the field^ — after it had been agreed upon by the 
seconds that the parties should have another meeting when Mr. Lucas's 
wound should permit. The difference between the two young men was 
in a few days afterward adjusted by mutual friends, and the matter was 
temporarily settled. It was, however, only temporary ; for thousands of 
reports came into circulation, having no foundation in truth, and calcu- 
lated to arouse again the dormant fires of hostility. Some of these 
reports so reflected upon the conduct of Colonel Benton, and proceeding, 
as he thought, either from the friends of Mr. Lucas or himself, that he sent 
Mr. Lucas word that he held him to the promise subsisting between them 
at the termination of the former encounter, that there should be another 
meeting. They met, and Mr. Lucas fell. 

Colonel Benton lived for many years a faithful servant, and an honor 
to his country. As a patriot and a statesman, he makes a part of the 
constellation of great men, who have shed lustre upon the annals of their 
country, and whose name will be identified with the history of our Union. 
His adversary^ young Lucas, was cut off in the spring of life, when bright 
hopes were flowering and blossoming around him, pregnant, it is believed, 
. with the germs of future greatness. He died on the 27th of September, 
1817, aged twenty-five years and three days. 

As it will be of interest to the reader, we here give 

THE RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES OF THE COUNTY OF ST. LOUIS 
FOR THE YEAR ENDING NOVEMBER 3d, 1817. 

RECEIPTS. 

Amount of county tax-list delivered to the sheriff for collection for the 

present year $2,0U 83^ 

EXPENDITURES. 
Circuit Court, November Term, 1816, 

An account allowed Benjamin Johnson, for his fees as a justice of the peace 
in the following cases: United States vs. Stephen Maypes, William Rus- 
sell, Elijah Beuton, David Boyles, and John Johnson 8 26 

Do. of Mary Philip Leduc, clerk of the circuit court, for making out the 
territorial and county tax-lists for the years 1815 and 1816; for money 
by him paid Charless for publishing notice of court of appeals, held to 
correct said lists 85 00 

Do. of William Sullivan, for boarding Alexander Rock, a prisoner, and his 

services as turnkey 12 75 

Do. of do., for his services as jailor, from the first day of January, 1816, to 
the 15th November of the same year, for furnishing wood and candles at 
this term of said court 141 25 

Do. for do., for boarding Bill, a black man, and his services as turnkey. ... 16 00 

Do. of do., for boarding Benjamin Dye, a prisoner, and his services a.s 

turnkey 14 25 



AND ITER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 319 

Circuit Court, May Term, 1817. 
An account allowed John W. Tliompson, sheriff, for furnishing tub for jail, 

water-bucket for court-house, benciies, and stationery $12 St^ 

Do. of do., for twelve days' rent for a court-iiouse at this term of the court.. 36 00 
Do. of William Sullivan, for putting on and taking off" irons from Bill, a 

prisoner discharged 1 50 

Do. of do., for holding coroner's inquest on the body of Samuel Burrows, 

deceased 1 9 45 

Do. of do., for boarding Benjamin Dye, a prisoner, and furnishing wood... . 19 50 

Do. of do., for his services as jailor, six months 75 00 

Do. of do., for boarding William Dunn, a prisoner 2 87^ 

Circuit Court, October Term, 1817. 
An account allowed Henry S. Gej'er, circuit attorney, in the following cases 

— United States vs. Mary Morris, indictment returned by grand jury, not 

a true bill; same w. Bowles Duncan, samew. Joseph Leblond and David 

Twithy (true bill, not convicted) — total in these cases 16 00 

Do. of James Rankin, for surveying county line between St. Louis and 

Washington counties 125 06 

Do. of William Sullivan, for boarding Henry Matthews, a pri.soner in jail... 55 87^ 
Do. of do., for boarding Don Quixotte, a prisoner, furnishing wood, and his 

fees as turnkey 14 50 

Do. of do., for his services as jailor 75 GO 

Do. of M. P. Leduc, for money paid for county purposes, issuing subpoenas 

for witnesses to testify before the grand jury, his fees in criminal cases 

where no convictions were had 34 63 

Do. of do., for making three tax-lists of territory and two of county 125 00 

Do. of do., for money paid Joseph Charless, for publishing a list of receipts 

and expenditures for the year 1816 7 00 

Do. of William Sullivan, for his house at this term of the court eighteen 

days 54 00 

Do. of John W. Thompson, for summoning two grand juries at this term 

of the court, and for stationery 28 00 

Do. of Joseph V. Gamier, a justice of the peace, in the following cases.- — 

United States vs. Joseph Leblond, U. S. vs. Henry Matthews, U. S. vs. 

Don Quixotte, U. S. vs. Joseph li. Beckley, U. S. vs. Adonis B. Farrar, 

U. S. vs. David Twitty, U. S. vs. Daniel Dougherty. — Total 30 06i 

Do. of J. W. Thompson, for summoning a grand jury at the May term of 

this court 12 50 

Account paid Jean B. Maurice dit Chatillon, a pauper 26 00 

$1,048 43i 
Territory of Missouri, ) 
County of St. Louis. ) 

I, Mary Philip Leduc, clerk of the circuit court within and for the county aforesaid, 
do certify the foregoing to be a true statement of the receipts and expenditures of the 
county of St. Louis, for the year ending the third day of November, 1817. 

In testimony whereof, \ iiave hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of my 
office, at St. Louis, this tliirteenth day of November, in tlie year of our Lord 
(l. s.) one thousand eight hundred and seventeen, and of the American Independence, 
the forty-second. 

M. P. LEDUC, Clk., by 
AND. S. M'GIRK, D. Clerk. 

In 1817, the pernicious system of lotteries, which is nothing less than 
a species of gambling, as destructive to morals and as fraught with ruin as 
any other that is protested against by the law, was established. It was 
first authorized by the legislature, so as to create a fund for building an 
academy at Potosi, and then for purchasing fire-engines for the town of 
St. Louis, and also for the erection of a Masonic Hall. Lottery ofiices 



320 THE GKEAT WEST 



to this (lay are leojalized in this state, and are a reproach to the morals 
and wisdom of our legislature. 

In this year there was an act to incorporate a board of trustees for 
superintending the schools in the town of St. Louis. These first trustees 
were AVilliam Clarke, William C. Carr, Thomas II. Benton, Bernard 
Pratte, Auguste Chouteau, Alexander McNair, and John P. Cabanne ; and 
this was the commencement of the common-school system which has 
been brought to so much perfection in St. Louis, and has been fraught 
with untold blessings to future generations. 

On the loth of December, 1818, a meeting of the most respectable in- 
habitants of the town of St. Louis took place, which the following clause 
connected with their proceedings will explain : — ''Impressed with the im- 
portance of a general circulation of the Sacred Scriptures, we, the under- 
signed, agree to form ourselves into a society designated by the name of 
the 'Missouri Auxiliary Bible Society.'" 

At this meeting a constitution was drafted, and at a subsequent meet- 
ing on the 22d, the following gentlemen were chosen acting officers of 
the society: — Nathaniel B. Tucker, president; Stephen Hempstead, Alex- 
ander McNair, and Rev, James E. Welsh, vice-presidents. The directors 
were Colonel Rufus Easton, Rufus Pettibone, Rev. John M. Peck, John 
Jacoby, Charles W. Hunter, John Simons, and Thomas Jones. Colonel 
Samuel Hammond was appointed treasurer, and Rev. S.Giddings secretary. 
This society continued in existence for many years, and became the parent 
of many other societies, formed by those who were influenced by a spirit 
of religion and philanthropy. 

It was in St. Louis, on the first of April, 1818, that the first sale of lots 
of the town of Hannibal took place, which had been just laid out. The 
proprietors of the newly-laid-out town were Stephen Rector, Thompson 
Baird, Thomas Rector, William V. Rector, Richard Gentry, and M. D. 
Bates. The location was well suited for a town, and Hannibal is now one 
of the most thriving cities in North-eastern Missouri. The hopes of its 
proprietors have been more than realized. 

In 1818, Missouri applied for admission into the Union, having all the 
requisites required by the constitution for admission. It was then that 
the slavery question, which was commencing to be agitated, became the 
great subject of interest, and the field of political strife. Whether Mis- 
souri should be admitted as a slave state into the Union was an inquiry 
so important in its results that it threatened for a time the rupture of the 
Union. The North was strenuously opposed to the extension of slavery, 
while the members from the South contended that Missouri should be ad- 
mitted without restriction. It was the most exciting contest ever known 
in the houses of Congress, and both parties stood their ground in so hos- 
tile an attitude that the patriots of the day became alarmed, and to pre- 
serve the noble fabric of our government, as a temporary resort, proposed 
a compromise, which is known as the celebrated " Missouri Compromise." 
It was, in effect, that slavery should not extend in any new-formed 
state north of thirty-six degrees forty minutes, north latitude, except 
in the case of Missouri, in which it was agreed to permit the inhabitants 
to frame their own constitution, leaving it with them to permit slavery in 
its limits or to abolish it. 

It is not the province of the present work to inquire into the wisdom 



I 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 321 

of the compromise measure, or to expose its unconstitutional tendencies. 
Let it suffice that it answered the intended purpose, and for a time quieted 
sectional rancor, and took from unprincipled politicians all grounds for 
disturbing the peace of the Union, and advancing their unworthy ends. 
It may be of interest to the reader here to give the names of 



THE MEMBERS OF CONGRESS FROM NON-SLAVEHOLDING STATES WHO VOTED 
IN FAVOR OF ADMITTING MISSOURI WITHOUT RESTRICTION. 

" To them, if my feeble voice can effect it, shall be erected an imperishable monu- 
ment of everlasting fame." — Mr. Barbour's speech. 



The following is a list of their names : 



IN THE SENATE. 

From Rhode Island — Mr. Hunter. 

From. Connecticut — Mr. Lannian. 

From New Hampshire — Mr. Parrott. 

From Vermont — Mr. Palmer. 

From Delaioare — Mr. Vandyke and Mr. Horsey. 

From Illinois — Mr. Edwards and Mr. Thomas. 



IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 

From Massachusetts — Messrs. Holmes, Shaw, Hill, and Mason. 

From Rliode Island — Mr. Eddy. 

From Connecticut — Messrs. Foot and Stevens. 

FroTn New York — Messrs. Storrs and Meigs. 

From New Jersey — Messrs. Bloomlield, Smith, and Kinsey. 

From Pennsylvania — Messrs. Baldwin and FuUerton. 

Froi7i Delaware — Mr. M'Lane. 



THE MEMBERS FROM THE SOUTH AND WEST WHO VOTED IN FAVOR OF 
ADMITTING MISSOURI WITHOUT RESTRICTION. 

" United as a Spartan band, standing for forty days in the pass of Thermopylae, de- 
fending the People of Missouri, the Treaty of Cession, and the Constitution of the 
Republic." 



The following is a list of their names; 



IN THE SENATE. 

From Maryland — Messrs. Lloyd and Pinkney. 
From Virginia — Messrs. Barbour and I'leasants. 
From North Carolina — Messrs. Mason and Stokes. 
From South Carolina. — Messrs. Gaillard and Smith. 
From Georgia — Messrs. Elliott and Walker. 
From Kentucky — Messrs. Logan and Johnson. 
From Tennessee — Messrs. Williams and Eaton. 
From Louisiana — Messrs. Brown and Johnson. 
From Mississippi — Messrs. Leake and T. H. Williams. 
From Alabama — Messrs. W. R. King and J. W. Walker. 



322 THE GREAT WEST 



IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 

From Maryland — Messrs. Aicher, Bayly, Culbreth, Kent, Little, Neale, Ringgold, 
Smith, and Wariield. 

I'\um Virginia — Messrs. Alexander, Archer, P. P. Barbour, Burwell, Floyd, Gamett, 
Johnson, Jones, M'Coy, Mercer, Nelson, Newton, Parker, Pindall, Randolph, Ballard, 
Smith, Sniythe, Strother, Swearinpen, Tucker, Tyler, Jared Williams. 

From North Carolina — Messrs. H. G. Burton, (-ulpepper, Davidson, Edwards, Fisher, 
Hall, Hooks, Settle, Slocumb, J. S. Smiili, F. Walker, and L. Williams. 
• F'om South Carolina — Messrs. Brevard, Earl, Ervin, Lowndes, M'Creary, Overstreet, 
Pinkney, Simkins, and Tucker. 

From Gtorr/ia — Messrs. Abbot, Crawford, Cobb, Cuthbert, Reid, and Terrell. 

From Kmtuchy — Messrs. Anderson, Brown, Hardin, M'Clean, Metcalfe, Quarle.s, 
Robertson, and Trimble. 

From Tamesxee — Messrs. Allen, Bryan, Cannon, Cooke, F. Jones, and Rhea. 

From Louisiana— Mr. Butler. 

From Mississippi — Mr. Rankin. 

From Alabama — Mr. Crowell. 

An able writer of that period thus pays a merited tribute to those rep- 
resentatives of non-slaveholding states, who, uninHnenced by sectional 
prejudice, religious fanaticism, or mi-^taken philanthropy, voted for the 
admission of Missouri into the Union without restriction : 

"In all, eip:ht senators and fifteen representatives, who have offered themselves as 
sacrifices upon the altar of public good, to save the union of the states, and to pre- 
vent the degradation of Mis.souri. Their generous conduct deserves a nation's grati- 
tude ; and let a grateful people deliver it to them. Let public honors wait upon their 
steps, and public blessings thicken round their heads. Let Fame, with her brazen 
trumpet, from tlie summit of the Alleghau}', proclaim their honored names throughout 
the vast regions of the South and West." 

When the news came to St. Louis that Congress had determined that 
the people of Missouri should frame their own constitution, and decide for 
themselves "slavery" or its rejection, the minds of the people became 
fearfully agitated on the very subject which threatened such serious con- 
sequences at Washington. It appeared that the political storm had not 
spent its fury, and had passed from the east to rage with violence nearer 
the western horizon. The same question which had distracted Congress, 
when removed to Missouri lost none of its exciting qualities. In St. 
Louis, from its being the largest town in the state, and consequently the 
main stage where the political drama would be played, the inhabitants 
divided themselves into two great factions — one in opposition to .slavery, 
and the other in advocating it. Both parties selected their mo.st influen- 
tial members to form a ticket to be elected by the people to represent St. 
Louis county, in the convention that was to form the constitution of the 
state. The following-named gentlemen were aimounced as candidates 
representing St. Louis county, and were for the admission of Missouri as 
a slave state. 

T. F. Riddick, General Wm. Rector, 

Colonel Alex. M'Nair, David Barton, 

John C. Sullivan, Edward Bates, 

Wilson P. Hunt, Alexander Stuart, Esq. 

Matthias M'Girk. 



i 



AND HER COMMEBCIAL METROPOLIS. 323 

INDEPENDENT TICKET. 

Opposed to the further introduction of Slaves in Missouri. 

FOR CONVENTION. 

Judge John B. C. Lucas, Robert Simpson, 

Rufus Pettibone, Caleb Bowles, 

Abraham Peck, "VVilllam Long, 

John Bobb, John Brown. 

The ticket elected July 19th, 1820, for representing St. Louis county, 
were all gentlemen, strong proslavery men. Not one of the antislavery 
candidates was elected. To represent St. Louis county when the con- 
vention was called to from the constitution, the choice of the people 
rested upon the following gentlemen, viz. : Edward Bates, Colonel Alex- 
ander M'Nair, John C. Sullivan, Pierre Chouteau, junior, Bernard Pratte 
and Thomas F. Riddick; and in the framing of the constitution all power 
was taken from the legislature to abolish slavery, unless with the consent 
of the slaveholding citizens, or a full remuneration for the slaves. 

During the years 1820-1823, St. Louis suffered much by the derange- 
ment of her currency. The banks which had been established were 
broken, and the loan office, which came into existence und^r the sanction 
of state authority, whose representatives had exceeded their powers, soon 
lost the public confidence, and its paper became almost a drug in the 
market. It proved but of little good to the community when it did an- 
swer the purpose of purcliasing property or cancelling debts, and in its 
uncertain value, became a prey to ravenous speculators, who did all they 
could to diminish its value, that they might purchase it at a greater 
discount. 

The stay laws or relief laws wliich were introduced at that time, so as 
to restrain the oppression of creditors toward debtors, while they protected 
them for two years and a half from a distraint upon their property, had, 
on the other hand, the injurious tendency of preventing just debts from 
being collected in a reasonable time, thereby crippling the resources of 
the creditor, who, oft from his necessities, would frequently compro- 
mise or sell, at a large discount, his claim, which had so long to run be- 
fore conversion into money. These drawbacks operated somewhat upon 
the growing prosperity of the town, and retarded its progress; yet still 
business flourished, and population increased. 

In 1821 there was a little directory published in St. Louis, and as it 
gives correct and useful information of the town at that period, we will 
make some copious extracts. 

" It is but about forty years since the now flourishing, but yet more 
promising state of Missouri was but a vast wilderness, many of the in- 
habitants of this country yet remembering the time when they met to- 
gether to kill the buffalo at the same place where Mr. Philipson's ox saw 
and flour mill is now erected, and on Mill Creek, near to where Mr. Chou- 
teau's mill now stands. What a prodigious change has been operated ! 
St. Louis is now ornamented with a great number of brick buildings, and 
both the scholar and the courtier could move in a circle suiting their 
choice and taste. 

" By the exertions of the Right Reverend Bishop Louis William Du 



324 THE GREAT WEST 



Bourg, the inhabitants have seen a fine brick cathedral rise at the same 
spot where stood t'ornu'rl}' an old log church, then sufficient, but which 
now would scarcely be able to contain the tenth part of the Catholic con- 
gregation. This elegant building was commenced in 1818, under the 
superintendence of Mr. Gabriel Paul, the architect, and is only in part 
completed. As it now stands it is forty feet front by one hundred and 
thirty-five in depth, and forty feet in height. When completed it will 
have a wing on each side, running its whole length, twenty-two and a half 
feet wide and twenty-five in height, giving it a front of eighty-five feet. 
It will have a steeple the same height as the depth of the building, which 
will be provided with several large bells expected from France. The lot 
on which the church, college and other buildings are erected, embraces a 
complete square, a part of which is used as a burial ground. The cathedral 
of St. Louis can boast of having no rival in the United States, for the 
magnificence, the value and elegance of her sacred vases, ornaments and 
paintings, and indeed few churches in Europe possess any thing superior 
to it. It is a truly delightful sight to an American of taste, to find in 
one of the remotest towns of the Union a church decorated with the 
original paintings of Rubens, Raphael, Guido, Paul Veronese, and a num- 
ber of others by the first modern masters of the Italian, French and 
Flemish schools. The ancient and precious gold embroideries which the 
St. Louis cathedral possesses would certainly decorate any museum in the 
world. All this is due to the liberality of the Catholics of Europe, who 
presented these rich articles to Bishop Du Bourg, on his last tour through 
France, Italy, Sicily, and the Netherlands. Among the liberal benefac- 
tors could be named many princes and princesses, but we will only insert 
the names of Louis XVIIL, the present king of France, and that of the 
Baroness Le Candele de Ghyseghem, a Flemish lady, to whose munifi- 
cence the cathedral is particularly indebted, and who, even lately, has sent 
it a fine, large and elegant organ, fit to correspond with the rest of the 
decorations. The bishop possesses, beside, a very elegant and valuable 
library, containing about 8,000 volumes, and which is, without doubt, 
the most complete scientific and literary repertory of the western country, 
if not of the western world. Though it is not public, there is no doubt 
but the man of science, the antiquary and the linguist, will obtain a ready 
access to it, and find the bishop a man endowed at once with the elegance 
and politeness of the courtier, the piety and zeal of the apostle, and the 
learning of a Father of the Church. Connected with this establishment 
is the St. Louis College, under the direction of Bishop du Bourg. It is 
a two-story brick building, and has about sixty-five students, who are 
taught the Greek, Latin, French, English, Spanish and Italian languages, 
mathematics, elementary and transcendent, drawing, &c. There are 
several teachers. Connected with the college is an ecclesiastical semi- 
nary, at the Barrens, in St. Genevieve county, where divinity, the oriental 
languages and philosophy arc taught. 

" St, Louis liktJwise contains ten common schools, a brick Baptist 
church, forty feet by sixty, built in 1818, and an Episcopal church of 
wood. The Methodist congregation hold their meetings in the old court- 
house, and the Presbyterians in the circuit court room. In St. Louis are 
the following mercantile, professional, mechanical, <kc., establishments, 
viz. : forty-six mercantile establishments, which carry on an extensive 



AND HEK COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 325 

trade witli the most distant parts of the republic in merchandise, produce, 
furs and peltry ; three auctioneers, who do considerable business : each 
pays 1200 per annum to the state for a license to sell, and on all personal 
property sold is a state duty of three per cent., on real estate one and a 
half per cent., and their commission of five per cent ; three weekly news- 
papers, viz., the St. Louis Inquirer, Missouri Gazette and St. Louis Reg- 
ister, and as many printing offices; one book store; two binderies; 
three lai-ge inns, together with a number of smaller taverns afld boarding- 
houses; six livery stables; fifty-seven grocers and bottlers; twenty-seven 
attorneys and counsellors-at-law; thirteen physicians; three druggists and 
apothecaries ; three midwives ; one portrait painter, who would do credit 
to any country; five clock and watch makers, silversmiths and jewelers; 
one silver plater; one engraver; one brewery, where are manufoctnred 
beer, ale and porter of a quality equal to any in the western country; 
one tannery ; three soap and candle factories ; two brick yards ; three 
stonecutters ; fourteen bricklayers and plasterers ; twenty-eight carpen- 
ters; nine blacksmiths; three gunsmiths; two copper and tinware manu- 
facturers; six cabinetmakers; four coachmakers and wheelwrights; seven 
turners and chairmakers ; three saddle and harness manufacturers ; three 
hatters; twelve tailors; thirteen boot and shoe manufacturers; ten orna- 
mental sign and house painters and glaziers; one nail factory; four hair 
dressers and perfumers; two confectioners and cordial distillers; four 
coopers, block, pump and mast makers ; four bakers ; one comb factory ; 
one bellman; five billiard tables, which pay an annual tax of $100 each 
to the state, and the same sum to the corporation; several hacks, or 
pleasure carriages, and a considerable number of drays and carts; several 
professional musicians, who play at the balls, which are very frequent and 
well attended by the inhabitants, more particularly the French, who, in 
general, are remarkably graceful performers, and much attached to so 
rational, healthy and improving an amusement; two potteries are within 
a few miles, and there are several promising gardens in and near to the 
town. 

"By an enumeration taken by the editor of this work in May, 1821, it 
appears that the town contains the following number of dwelling-houses, 
viz. : 154 of brick and stone and 196 of wood in the north part of the 
town, and 78 of brick and stone and 223 of wood in the south part; 
making 232 brick, &c., and 419 of wood, and a total of 651. There are, 
beside the dwelling-houses, a number of brick, stone and wooden ware- 
houses, stables, shops and out-houses. Most of the houses are furnished 
with gardens, some of which are large and under good cultivation. The 
large old-fashioned dwellings erected by the French inhabitants are sur- 
rounded by a piazza, which renders them very pleasant, particularly 
during the heat of summer. The steamboat warehouse built by Mr. 
Josiah J3right, is a large brick building, and would do credit to any of 
the eastern cities. The market-house is well supplied with fish and fowl, 
good meat and vegetables, fruit in its season, and in short every thing 
that the country affords, in abundance, at reasonable prices. 

" St. Louis was incorporated by the Court of Common Pleas, at their 
November term, 1809, when the country was known as the Territory of 
Louisiana, under the following limits, viz. : 'Beginning at Roy's Mill, on 
the bank of the Mississippi river, thence running sixty arpens west, 



326 THE GREAT WEST 



thence south on said line of sixty arpens in the rear, until the same coraes 
to the Barriere do Noyer, thence due south until it comes to the Siiijar 
Loaf, thence due east to the Mississippi, from thence by the Mississippi, 
along low-water mark, to the place first mentioned.' The bounds of the 
town, as it respects the taxing of the inhabitants, is confined to the fol- 
lowing bounds, viz.: commencing at the mouth of Mill creek (where it 
enters the Mississippi river), thence with the said creek to the mill-dam, 
thence with the north arm of Mill creek to the head of the same, thence 
by a line running parallel with the Mississippi river, until it intersects the 
north boundary of the corporation. 

" The town is governed by five trustees, who are elected on the 6th De- 
cember annually, by the inhabitants. There is also a register, whose 
duty it is to see that the ordinances are enforced, an assessor, and an in- 
spector of lumber. 

"The Board of Trustees has passed a number of very wholesome ordi- 
nances for the establishment and support of order, all of which can be 
seen in the ordinance book, in the office of the corporation. South B. 
street, above Main street, which is open every morning, Sundays excepted, 
from ten to twelve o'clock. 

"The assessed amount of taxable property in the corporation of St. 
Louis, for 1821, is about |940,926, which gives about $3,763, tax. 

"Eight streets run parallel with the river, and are intersected by twenty- 
three others at right angles ; three of the preceding are in the lower part 
of the town, and the five others in the upjwr part. The streets in the 
lower part of the town are narrow, being from thirty-two to thirty-eight 
and a half feet in width; those streets on 'the Hill,' or upper part, are 
much wider. ' The Hill ' is much the most pleasant and salubrious, and 
will no doubt become the most improved. The lower end of Market 
street is well paved, and the trustees of the town have passed an ordinance 
for paving the sidewalks of Main street, being the second from and par- 
allel to the river, and the principal one for business. This is a very whole- 
some regulation of the trustees, and is the more necessary as this and 
many other streets are sometimes so extremely muddy as to be rendered 
almost impassable. It is hoped that the trustees will next pave the mid- 
dle of Main street, and that they will proceed gradually to improve the 
other streets, which will contribute to make the town more healthy, add 
to the value of property, and make it a desirable place of residence. On 
the Hill, in the centre of the town, is a public square, two hundred and 
forty by three hundred feet, on which it is intended to build an elegant 
court-house. The various courts are held at present in buildings adjacent 
to the public square. A new stone jail of two stories, seventy feet front 
by thirty deep, stands west of the site for the court-house.* 

" Market street is in the middle of the town, and is the line dividing 
the north part from the south. Those streets running north from Market 
street have the addition of North to their names, and those running 
in the opposite direction, South. For example: North Main street, 



* The jail lot at the corner of South and Chesnut streets was donated to the county 
by the Honorable John B. C. Lucas. The court-house square was the gift, conjointly, 
of Colonel Auguste Chouteau and Judge Lucas. 



AND HER COMISIEKCIAL METROPOLIS. 327 

South Main street, North A, &c., street, South A. street. The houses 
were first numbered by the pubHsher of this directory, in May, 1821. 

"The fortifications, erected in early times for the defence of the place, 
stand principally on 'the Hill.' They consist of several circular stone 
towers, about fifteen feet in height and twenty in diameter, a wooden 
block-house, and a large stone bastion, the interior of which is used as a 
garden by Captain A. Wetmore, of the United States army.* 

" Just above the town are several Indian mounds and" remains of an- 
tiquity, which afford an extensive and most charming view of the town 
and beautiful surrounding country, situated in the two states of Missouri 
and Illinois, which are separated by the majestic Mississippi, and which 
is likewise observed in the scene as he glides along in all his greatness. 
Adjacent to the large mound nearest to the town, is the Mound Gar- 
den, belonging to Colonel Elias Rector, and kept by Mr. James Gray, as 
a place of entertainment and recreation. The proprietor has displayed 
considerable taste in laying it out in beds and walks, and in ornamenting 
it with flowers and shrubbery. In short, it aftbrds a delightful and 
pleasant retreat from the noise, heat and dust of a busy town. 

"There is a Masonic hall, in which the Grand Lodge of the state of 
Missouri, the Royal Arch and the Master Masons' Lodges are held. Con- 
nected with this excellent institution is a burying-ground, where poor 
Masons are interred at the expense of the fraternity. The council cham- 
ber of Governor William Clark, where he gives audience to the chiefs of 
the various tribes of Indians who visit St. Louis, contains probably the 
most complete museum of Indian curiosities to be met with anywhere in 
the United States ; and the governor is so polite as to permit its being 
visited by any person of respectability at any time. 

" There are two fire engines, with properly organized companies ; one 
of which is in the north part of the town and the other in the south. 
Every dwelling and store has to be provided with good leather fire 
buckets. 

" Mr. Samuel Wiggins is the proprietor of two elegant and substantial 
steam ferry-boats, that ply regularly and alternately from the bottom of 
North H. street, near the steamboat warehouse, to the opposite shore. 
The great public utility of this mode of conveying persons and property 
across the Mississippi needs no comment, but gives the enterprising owner 
of them a high claim to the patronage of his fellow-citizens. The river 
at the ferry is one and an eighth mile in width. Opposite the upper part 
of the town and above the ferry is an island about one mile and a half in 

* These old fortifications commenced on the south at the corner of Second and 
Sycamore streets, where one stood until very recently; tlie second one of them, a 
block-house made of cedar wood, was at the corner of Fifth and Lombard ; another 
one, a tower, corner of Fifth and Gratiot ; another was the Old Tower, the Spanisli fort, 
and the oldest fortification in the place, corner of Fourth and Walnut; another where 
the custom-house now stands, at the corner of Third and Olive; another, called the 
Bastion, on Third street, between "Washington avenue and Morgan street ; and the 
last one, that completed the half-circle of fortifications, was the Demilune, that stood 
on the bank of the Mississippi, on a rocky elevation near the foot of Cherry street. 
With the exception of the Tower, on Fourth and Walnut, they were all built during 
the administration of Cruzat. Beck, in his Gazetteer of Illinois and Missouri, states 
that a portion of them was erected in 1797, but there is no evidence to support this 
conclusion. 



828 THE GREAT WEST 



length, containing upwards of one thousand acres. It belongs to Mr. 
Samuel Wiggins. A considerable sandbar has been formed in the river, 
adjoining the lower part of the town, which extends far out, and has 
thrown the main channel over on the Illinois side ; when the water is low 
it is entirely dry, and is covered with an immense quantity of drift-wood, 
nearly sufficient to supply the town with fuel, and only costs the trouble 
of cutting and hauling. This is of great consequence to the inhabitants 
of St. Louis, particularly as the growth of wood is small in the immediate 
neighborhood on this side of the river. Wood is likewise brought down 
the river in large quantities for disposal. 

" Population^in 1810, 1,000; in 1818, 3,500; and at this time (1821), 
about 5,500. The town and county contain 9, "732. The population is 
much mixed; consisting principally of Americans from every part of the 
Union; the original and other French, of whom there are one hundred 
and fifty-five families; and foreigners of various nations ; consequently the 
society is much diversified, and has no general fixed character. This, 
the rea ler will perceive, arises from the situation of the country, in itself 
new, flourishing and changing; still that class who compose the respect- 
able part of the community are hospitable, polite and well-informed. And 
here I must take occasion, in justice to the town and country, to protest 
against the many calumnies circulated abroad to the prejudice of St. 
Louis, respecting the manners and the disposition of the inhabitants. 
Persons meet here with dissimilar habits, produced by a different education, 
and possessing various peculiarities. It is not therefore surprising that, in a 
place composed of such discordant materials, there should be occasional dif- 
ferences and difficulties. But the reader may be assured that old-established 
inhabitants have little participation in transactions which have, so far, so 
much injured the town. 

"St. Louis has grown very rapidly. There is not, however, so much 
improvement going on at this time, owing to the check caused by the 
general and universal pressure that pervades the country. This state of 
things can only be temporary here, for it possesses such permanent ad- 
vantages from its local and geographical situation, that it must ere some 
distant day, become a plare of great importance, being more central with 
regard to the whole territory belonging to the United States than any 
other considerable town, and uniting the advantages of the three great 
rivers Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois, of the trade of which it is the 
emporium. 

" The Missouri Fur Company was formed by several gentlemen of St. 
Louis, in 1819, for the purpose of trading on the Missouri river and its 
waters. The principal establishment of the company is at Council Bluffs, 
yet they have several others of minor consequence several hundred miles 
above, and it is expected that the establishment will be extended shortly 
up as high as the Mandan villages. The actual capital invested in the 
trade is supposed to amount at this time to about $70,000. They have in 
their employ, exclusive of their partners on the river, twenty-five clerks 
and interpreters and seventy laboring men. 

"It is estimated that the annual value of the Indian trade of the Mis- 
souri and Mississippi rivers is $600,000. The annual amount of imports 
to this town is stated at upwards of $2,000,000. The commerce by water 
is carried on by a great number of steamboats, barges and keel boats. 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 329 

These centre here, after performing the greatest inland voyages known in 
the world. The principal articles of trade are fur, peltry and lead. The 
agricultural productions are Indian corn, wheat, rye, barley, oats, buck- 
wheat, tobacco and other articles common to the western country. 
Excellent mill-stones are found and made in this county; stone coal is 
abundant, and saltpetre and common salt have been made within a few 
miles. Within three or four miles are several springs of good water, and 
seven miles southwest is a sulphur spring. In the vicinity are two natural 
caverns, in limestone rocks. Two miles above town, at North St. Louis, 
is a steam sawmill, and several common mills are on the neighboring 
streams. The roads leading from St. Louis are very good, and it is ex- 
pected that the great national turnpike leading from Washington will 
strike this place, as the commissioners for the United States have reported 
in favor of it." 

LIST OF PRINCIPAL BUILDINGS IN ST. LOUIS, IN 1821. 

Baptist Church, south-west corner Market and Third.* 

Bastion, north of Bennet's Hotel. 

Cathedral, Roman Church, south-west corner Church and Market. 

Clerks' Offices for the various courts, near the Public Square. 

Constables' Office, north Fourth above North C. street. 

Court Rooms, near the Public Square. 

Episcopal Church, South Church, below South A. street.f 

Green-Tree Inn, 85 South Church. 

Indian Council Chamber, or Museum of Indian Curiosities, belonging 
to Governor Clark, 101 North Main. 

Jones' Row, north side of Market street, above Third.J 

Land Office, United States, west of and near to Bennet's Hotel. 

Mansion House, Bennet's, north-east corner of North Third and E. 
streets. 

Market House, south side of Market street, near the river. 

Market street runs west from the river, between North and South A. 
streets. It is the line which divides the northern part of the town from 
the southern. 

Masonic Hall, in which the Grand, Chapter and Master's Lodges are 
held, north side South B. street, above Main. 

Methodist Meeting, south-west corner South Third and South D. 
streets. 

Missouri Bank, 6 Noi'th Main street. 

Missouri Hotel, south-west corner of North Main and North H. streets. 

Mound Public Garden, a pleasant retreat kept by Mr. Gray, near the 
Indian Mound. 



* This church was never fully completed, though worship was held in it. It was 
used at one time for a court-house, and on its site was afterward built the National 
Hotel. 

\ This was an old wooden building where Episcopal service was held, but was no 
church. 

■ X Tins was the first row of brick buildings erected in St. Louis. They were of one 
story. 



330 THE GREAT "WEST 



Such was St. Louis in 1821, just before the season of emerging from 
a town to a city existence. In the place of batteaux and unwieldy barges, 
the Mississippi and other western waters have become freighted with 
steamboats, which at once superseded the oar and the cordelle. This new 
improvement bringing distant points in close connection, and facilitating 
every avenue of trade, to St. Louis, steamboats, from the hour of their 
advent, became invaluable, and so great was their acquisition to the com- 
merce, that in despite of the breaking of the banks, the depreciation of 
loan-office money, the general derangement of the currency, and the in- 
jurious operation of the " Stop laws," they gave a vitality to the busi- 
ness current, which had otherwise stagnated from the opposing obstacles 
and barriers. 

Agriculture, after Missouri had become admitted as a state, began to 
receive considerable attention ; and still farther to increase the interest, 
a meeting was held in the town of St. Louis, in May, 1822, for the pur- 
pose of organizing an agricultural society. At this meeting a committee 
was appointed to draw up a constitution for the government of the society, 
which consisted of the following respectable citizens, viz. : Wm. C. Carr, 
Richard Graham, Robert Simpson, Joseph C. Brown and Henry Watson. 
The society remained in existence many years, and did much for the im- 
provement of agriculture. 

It is worthy of remark that the health of St. Louis at this early period, 
if the number of deaths be a criterion, would compare very favorably with 
that of the present day, when the city is subject to sanitary laws, and, 
from cultivation of the soil, many marshes and ponds have been removed 
which then exhaled poisonous miasma. The number of interments, from 
the 17th of March, 1822, to the 29th of October of the same year, was 
one hundred and three. The population of the town at that time was 
four thousand and eight hundred souls. 

1822 — On the ninth of December, 1 822, an act was passed by the Legis- 
lature of Missouri, to incorporate the inhabitants of the town of St. Louis, and 
in April, 1823, an election took place to elect the mayor and nine alder- 
men in whom the act specified should vest the corporate powers of the 
city, with the following results : Wm. Carr Lane M'as elected mayor, and 
Thomas McKnight, James Kennerley, Philip Rocheblane, Archibald Gam- 
ble, Wm. H. Savage, Robert Nash, James Loper, Henry Von Phuland James 
Lacknan wore elected aldermen. These men were the first corporate offi- 
cers of the city of St. Louis. The city was then divided into wards, and the 
mayor and aldermen issued an ordinance for the graduating of Main street, 
and compelling the inhabitants to pave the streets in front of their lots. The 
trustees of the town, previous to the incorporation of the city, had made 
two or three futile attempts to have Main street paved in some part of it, 
but the inhabitants, with but few exceptions, neglected to comply with 
the decree, and it was not until the town became incorporated a city that 
any regular system of paving the streets was effectually commenced. 
One of the citizens, just at the time of incorporation of the new city, 
writes to a friend in another state who had some intention of coming to 
St. Louis, not to come, if he did not wish to live "the life of a frog or 
tortoise in the unfathomable mud of St. Louis." 

The administration of Wm. Carr Lane, from the commencement, was 
an able one. Though his salary was only three hundred dollars per an- 




NORMAL SCHOOL. 
Corner of 17tli Street and Christy Avenue. 




ST. PAUL'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

Corner of ITth and Olive Streets. 

Rev. R. E. Tekry, Rector. 




OLD HOUSE. 
South-East corner of 2d and Spruce. 




OLD HOUSE. 
North- "West corner of 3d and Plum 




1st PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, LUCAS PLACE. 
Rev. Henry A. Nelson, Pastor. 



AND HER COMMEKCIAL METKOPOLIS. 331 



num, he applied himself earnestly to the duties of his office, manifested a 
zeal and judgment which are inseparable from his character, and soon the 
city was under proper municipal regulations. It was divided into wards • 
the boundaries of the streets were properly established; assessors and health 
officers appointed; and the graduating of a large portion of Main street 
ettected, arid the paving of it by the inhabitants rigidly enforced, or, if 
done by the commissioners, the cost was charged to those in front of 
whose property the paving was laid. 
14 



THE GKEAT WEST 



CHAPTER V. 

Duel between Thomas C. Eector and Joshua Barton. — The latter killed. — Fur com- 
panies. — Battle with the Indians. — Disastrous defeat of the Whites. — Frederick 
Bates elected Governor. — Visit of Lafayette. — Route surveyed to New Mexico. — 
Consecration of the First Presbyterian Cliurch. — General Miller elected Governor. — 
Arsenal built. — Streets named. — Stampede from the jail. — Market built. — Benev- 
olent Societies. — Branch Bank of the United States. — Improvements and changes in 
St. Louis. — Impeachment of Judge Peck. — Population in 1831. — Fatal duel — Black 
Hawk war. — Love of the inhabitants of St. Louis for politics. — Conduct of the 
people at the news of the veto to the rechartering of tlie United States Bank. — The 
cholera. — Trial of Judge Carr. — Judge Merry elected mayor. — His election declared 
unconstitutional. — Building of a hospital for the Sisters of Charity. — Sale of the city 
commons. — Gamblers. — Internal Improvement Convention. — Burning of a negro 
murderer. 

1823. — On the 30th of June, a hostile meeting took place on Bloody 
Island, between Joshua Barton, who was district-attorney of the United 
States for the district of which St. Louis was the capital, and Thomas C. 
Rector. It was nearly sunset when the parties met, and, at the first fire, 
Mr. Barton fell mortally wounded. 

The cause of the unfortunate meeting was a publication in the Missouri 
Republican of an article accusing, in unmistakable terms, General Wra. 
Rector, the United States Surveyor of Illinois, Missouri and Arkansas, of 
corruption in office. General Rector was at the time in Washington, and 
his brother, Thomas C. Rector, hearing that Mr. Barton was the author 
of that serious charge, challenged him, according to the code of honor, 
whose rules it was imperative at that time for all gentlemen to obey, with 
the result that we have mentioned. Both of the families were large and 
influential in St. Louis, with an extensive circle of friends, and this cir- 
cumstance added fuel to the already political feud existing between them. 
Whether the charges were true, as alleged by Mr. Barton, we cannot satis- 
factorily determine, and, as legal proof is wanting, it would not be con- 
sistent with justice to give utterance to any hypothesis deducible from 
proximate evidence. It is probable that they were deducible much from 
political rancor and factional license. Joshua Barton stood in the front rank 
of his profession, and was brother to David Barton, then senator of the 
United States from Missouri. He died universally lamented. 

We have before alluded .to some of the members of the Missouri Fur 
Company and other enterprising individuals who, in quest of peltry, made 
their lone and far voyages up the wild Missouri, and for years pursuing 
their precarious pursuit, lived in wigwams like the Indians, thousands of 
miles from civilization, and amid the wildest and fiercest tribes on the 
American continent. Among the number of these daring spirits, whom 
no danger could daunt, no obstacles arrest, and no suffering could subdne, 
^as General Wm. Ashley. He became the head of the Rocky Mountain 
Tur Company, pushed his enterprises in the wild fastnesses of those 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOTJS. 333 

mountains, discovered what is known now as the Great Southern Pass, 
and made known to the world those distant solitudes, which had been 
before unexplored. Joined witli him was Major Henry, equally enter- 
prising and .intrepid. 

As a great sensation was created at this time from disastrous news from 
the Rocky Mountains, it becomes our province now to report a bloody 
battle which took place between the Rocky Mountain Fur Company and 
the Rickaree Indians, and also of a bloody battle between the Blackfeet 
Indians and the followers of the Missouri Fur Company. Both of the fur 
companies were dei'cated by tlie savages. The two following letters will 
best explain the difficulty and the events of the battles. 

EXTRACT FROM A LETTKR FROM GENERAL ASIILEV. 

*' On board the Keelboat ' Rocky Mountain,* 
June 4th, 1823. 

" On the morning of the 2d instant I was attacked by the Rickaree In- 
dians, which terminated seriously on my part. The particulars of which 
I relate with feelings of the greatest sorrow and mortification. Previous 
to my arrival at their towns, from information i received from some gen- 
tlemen descending the river, I apprehended danger from them, and used 
^s much precaution as the nature of my situation would admit. Not 
one of the Rickaree Indians did I see until I arrived at their towns on the 
30th of May. My boats were anchored about the middle of the river, 
and I went on shore with two men, where I met some of the principal 
chiefs, who pretended to be very friendly disposed toward us, and ex- 
pressed a wish that I should trade with tiiem. 

" Wishing to send a party through by land from that point to the 
Yellow Stone river, for which purpose forty or fifty horses were necessary, 
and having just received an express from Major Henry, sent for the pur- 
pose of desiring me to purchase all the horses I could on my way, I con- 
sented to send some goods on shore to exchange for horses, but proposed 
that the chiefs of the two towns would meet jne on the sand beach, where 
a perfect understanding should take place before the barter commenced. 
After a long consultation among them, they appeared at the place pro- 
posed, to hold the talk. I made them a small present, which appeared to 
please them very much. I then told them that I had understood that a 
diflference had taken place between a party of their men and so»ne of the 
Missouri Fur Company, that in consequence of which they might feel 
disposed to do me an injury, and went on to state what I supposed 
would be the consequences should they attempt it. They answered that 
the affray alluded to had caused angry feelings among them, but that 
those angry feelings had vanished — that they then considered the white 
people as their friends, and would treat them as such. 

" A price for horses was proposed by me and agreed to by them. 
The exchange therefore commenced, and on the evening of the 15th 
instant I had completed my purchases, and all things prepared for an early 
start the next morning. Late in the afternoon the principal chief of one 
of the towns sent me an invitation to visit him at his lodge. 1 hesitated 
for a moment, but at length concluded to accept it, as I did not wish 
them to know that I apprehended the least danger from them. I took 



334 ' THE GREAT WEST 



with rae my interpreter, and went to the lodge of the chief, where 1 
was treated with every appearance of friendship by him, as well as by 
several other chiefs who were present. The next morning, just before 
daybreak, I was informed that the Indians had killed one of my men, 
Aaron Stephens, and in all probability would attack the boats in a few 
minutes. Arrangements were made to receive them. My party con- 
sisted of ninety men, forty of whom were selected to accompany uie to 
the Yellowstone River by land, and were encamped on the sand-beach 
in charge of the horses. 

" About sunrise, the Indians commenced a heavy and well-directed 
fire from a line extending along the picketing of one of their towns and 
some broken ground adjoining, a distance of about six hundred yards. 
Seeino- that some of the horses were killed and others wounded, as well 
as two or three men, 1 attempted to have the horses crossed to a sand- 
bar about the middle of the river, over which the water was about 
three feet deep, but before any thing to effect that object could be done 
the fire became very destructive, aimed principally at the men on shore. 
I ordered the anchor weighed and the boats put to shore, but the boat- 
men, with but very few exceptions, were so panic-struck that they could 
not be got to execute the order. Two skiffs which would carry thirty 
men were taken ashore for the embarkation of the men, but (I suppose), 
from a predetermination of the men on the beach not to give way to the 
Indians as long as there appeared the least probability of keeping their 
ground, not more than five of them made use of the large skiff, two of 
whom were wounded, the other skiff was taken to the opposite side of 
the river by two men, one of them mortally wounded. 

" I started the large skiff immediately back, but unfortunately one of 
the men that worked it was shot down, and by some means the skiff set 
adrift; by this time the most of the horses were killed or wounded, and 
about half of the men. I continued to make every effort to get the boats 
to shore but all in vain ; although anchored not more than ninety feet out 
in the stream the most of the men swam to the boats ; some of them when 
shot immediately sprang into the river and sunk. It was about fifteen 
minutes from the time the firing commenced until the surviving part of 
the men had embarked. The anchor of one of the boats was weighed, 
the cable of the other cut, and the boats dropped down the stream. 
Finding it impossible to pass the towns in the then situation of the men 
and boats, I directed them to be landed at the first timber, for the purpose 
of placing them and the men in a better situation of defence, and to pass 
the towns, which would have been done without much risk ; but, to my great 
surprise and mortification, when my intentions were made known to the 
men I was informed that (with but few exceptions) they would desert me 
if I attempted it, and that however well the boats might be fortified they 
would not make a second attempt to pass without a large reinforcement. 

"The next morning they were drawn up, and a plan, which I had dur- 
ing the night thought of, by which I supposed we could safely pass the 
towns, made known to them, but the principal part of them refused to 
assist me in its execution, consequently I had to fall back to where we 
could get some game and wait the aid of Major Henry's party at the 
Yellowstone River, to whom I sent an express. 

" My loss in killed and wounded is as follows : 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 335 

" Killed — John Matthews, John Collins, Aaron Stephens, James McDaniel, 
Westley Piper, George Flager, Benjamin F. Sneed, James Penn, jr., John 
Miller, John S. Gardner, Ellis Ogle, David Howard — Twelve. 

" Wounded — Reed Gibson (since dead), Joseph Monsa, John Larrison, 
Abraham Ricketts, Robert Tucker, Joseph Thompson, Jacob Miller, David 
McClane, Hugh Glass, Augiiste Dut'rain, Willis (black man)- — Eleven. 

" There are but two of the wounded in the least danger of dying, and 
I think with care they will recover. Never did men, in my opinion, act 
with more coolness and bravery than the most of those exposed on the 
sand-beach. A constant fire was kept up by us, but from the advantage- 
ous situation of the Indians but little execution by it was done. Five or 
six Indians were seen to fall on the sand-beach ; I suppose they lost six 
or eight killed. The situation of their towns, numbers, arms, etc., makes 
them a formidable enemy to traders ascending the river. Their two towns 
are situated immediately in front of a large sand-bar, around which boats 
are obliged to pass, forming nearly a quarter or one-third of a circle, 
with a diameter of a half mile, partly covered with willows near the water's 
edge ; at the upper part of the bar they have a breastwork made of dry 
timber. The ground on the opposite side of the river, about half-way 
round the sand-beach, is from twelve to twenty feet above the surface of 
the water, the balance of the way high broken hills and the river very 
narrow. They are about six hundred warriors ; I think about three- 
fourths of them are armed with London fusils that carry a ball with great 
accuracy and force, and which they use with as much expertness as any 
men I ever saw handle arms ; those that have not guns use bows and 
arrows, war-axes, etc. Knowing that some of the trading companies in- 
tended passing the Ricarees this summer, and apprehending danger, will 
probably bring up one or more six-pounders, I expect and hope they will 
arrive about the time I receive aid from above." 

"Port Atkinson, July 3, 1823. 

"Dear Sir. — How painful for me to tell, and you to hear, of the bar- 
barity of the Indians. They continue to deceive and murder the most 
enterprising of our people, and if we continue to forbear, if we do not 
soon discover a greater spirit of resentment, this river will be discolored 
with our blood. 

" The defeat of General Ashley by the A'Ricarees, and departure of the 
troops to his relief, had scarcely gone to you when an express arrived an- 
nouncing the defeat of the Blackfoot Indians, near the Yellowstone River, 
of the Missouri Fur-Company's Yellowstone or mountain expedition, com- 
manded by Messrs. Jones & Immell, both of whom, with five of the men, 
are among the slain. All of their property, to the amount of $15,000, fell 
into the hands of the enemy. 

" To add to General Ashley's catalogue of misfortunes, the Blackfoot 
Indians have recently defeated a party of eleven and killed four of Major 
Henry's men, near his establishment at the mouth of the Yellowstone 
River. The express goes on to state, ' that many circumstances (of which 
I will be apprised in a few days) have transpired to induce the belief that 
the Britiah traders [Hudson's Bay Company) are exciting the Indians 
against us, either to drive us from that quarter, or reap, with the Indians, 
the fruits of our labor.'' 



336 THE GREAT WEST 



" I was in hopes that the British traders had some bounds to their 
rapacity; I was in hopes that during the late Indian war, in which they 
were so instrumental in the indiscriminate massacre of our people, that 
they had become completely satiated with our blood, but it appears not 
to have been the case. Like the greedy wolf, not yet gorged with the 
flesh, they guard over the bones; they ravage our fields, and are unwilling 
thai we should glean them, although barred by the treaty of Ghent from 
participating in our Indian trade, they presumed and are not satisfied to 
do so ; but, being alarmed at the individual enterprise of our people, they 
are exciting the Indians against them. They furnish them with the in- 
struments of hell and a passport to heaven — the instruments of death and 
a passport to our bosoms. 

"Immell had great experience of the Indian character, but, poor fellow, 
with a British passport, they at last deceived him, and he fell a victim to 
his own credulity, and his scalp, with those of his murdered comrades, is 
now bleeding on its way to some of the Hudson establishments. 

"Another of General Ashley's wounded m-en is dead, making fifteen 
men killed by the A'Ricarees and eleven by the Blackfoot — in all, known 
to have been killed b}' the Indians within the last two or three months, 
twenty-six eff'ective men ; and I estimate the amount of property actually 
lost in the conflicts, at $20,000, besides a great number of horses, etc. 

"The Ottoes, Missouris, Omaiias, and Panis have been to see me al- 
ready, and, as usual, profess great friendship, etc., but, with the rest of 
the neighboring tribes, are anxiously looking and listening to know how 
we (the Americans) are going to get out of this scrape. 

" I am still in bad health, and almost despair of recovering during my 
stay here. 

" I am at this moment interrupted by the arrival of an express from the 
military expedition, with a letter from Dr. Pilch er, whom you know is at 
the head of the Missouri Fur-Company on this river, in which he says, 
'I have but a moment to write. I met an express from the Mandans, 
bringing me very unpleasant news — the flower of my business is gone. 
My moicntaineers have been defeated, and the chiefs of the party both 
slain ; the party were attacked by three or four hundred Blackfoot Indians, 
in a position on the Yellowstone River, where nothing but defeat could 
be expected. Jones & Immell and five men were killed. The former, it 
is said, fought most desperately. Jones killed two Indians, and in drawing 
his pistol to kill a third, he received two spears in his breast. Immell was 
in front; he killed one Indian and was cut to pieces. I think we lose at 
least $15,000. I will write you more fully between this and the Sioux.' 

" Jones was a gentleman of cleverness. He was for several years a 
resident of St. Louis, where he has numerous friends to deplore his loss. 
Immell has been a long time on this river, first an officer in the United 
States army, since an Indian trader of some distinction ; in some respects 
he was an extraordinary man ; he was brave, uncommonly large, and of 
great muscular strength ; when timely apprised of his danger, a host within 
himself. The express left the military expedition on the 1st instant, when 
all was well. With great respect, your most obedient servant, 

" Ben. O' Fallon, 

"General William Clark, " U. S. Agent foi- Indian Affairs. 

'■* Supt. Indian Affairs, St. Louis.^^ 



AND HER COlVrMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 337 

While speaking of men whose daring instincts carried them amid the 
savages and their wilds, and who acted as the pioneers of civilization, and 
to whose hardihood their country was indebted for effectual aid in making 
treaties with the distant tribes of Indians, and the strong power which 
many of them exercised over their savage nature, we should not pass over 
the name of Benjamin O'Fallon without paying some deserved tribute to 
his many virtues and services. He was many years Indian agent of 
government, and in all his transactions with the various tribes his conduct 
was conciliatory though firm, and in his long term of public service there 
was no room even for envy to asperse his character. 

1824. — In the summer of this year the city of St. Louis was the theatre 
of considerable excitement. The term of Governor Alexander McNair being 
about to transpire, two candidates, each urging powerful claims upon the 
public, and each champion of their respective parties, was nominated for 
the executive office. They were Frederick Bates and General William 
Ashley. The former had already filled many high positions under both 
the territorial, state and the municipal authorities, among which was that 
of lieutenant-governor, and consequently all of the duties of the executive 
were familiar to him ; besides, he had been long a resident in St. Louis, 
and was known to all classes of society and justly had their confidence. 
The other, by his daring intrepidity in pushing trade into the unknown 
wilds of the Rocky Mountains, had carried the knowledge of the United 
States into regions unexplored, and by his ability awed the savage denizens, 
and opened new fields of profitable labor to courage and enterprise. These 
services had invested his character with some of the rays of heroic and 
romantic splendor which his friends fondly hoped would attach favor and 
outweigh the influence which, from long residence and deserved popularity, 
his rival possessed. At this election for governor was also that of lieu- 
tenant-governor, members of Congress, of state Senate, House of Dele- 
gates, sheriff, and constable. 

After due returns from the different parts of the state, Frederick Bates 
was declared duly efectcd, John K. Walker, sheriff, and Sullivan Blood, 
constable. With the other elections it is not our province in this work 
to meddle. 

Frederick Bates enjoyed but a short time his political victory. The 
following year, after a few months being invested with his official dignity, 
he was attacked by pleurisy and died, August 1st, of the following 
year. • 

1825. — It was the 28th of April of this year, that the news of the 
arrival of the Marquis de Lafayette at Carondelet reached St. Louis. 
He stayed at that village during the night, and early the next morning 
embarked for St. Louis, only four miles distant. Half of the city was 
turned out on the occasion, and as the gallant French nobleman stepped 
ashore from the boat, which landed opposite the old Market House, he 
received the applauding greeting of gratified thousands, to whom his name 
had been endeared by the instructive pages of history, and still more by 
the early reminiscences gleaned from the fireside. The name of Lafayette 
— for many years a household word, and familiar to the lips of infancy. 

It was nine o'clock in the morning when the marquis arrived in St. 
Louis, and he was immediately ushered into a carriage, into which he was 
followed by his honor the mayor, William Carr Lane, Stephen Hempstead, 



338 THE GREAT WEST 



an officer of the Revolution, and Colonel Auguste Chouteau, the chief in 
command of the pioneer band who laid the foundation of the city. 

General Lafayette was at this time sixty-eight years of age, yet his step 
betrayed no feebleness, and his eye was still vivid with the fire of youth. 
He was accompanied by his son, George Washington Lafayette, and that 
name, so dear to the American people, gave new warmth to the reception 
of the French hero, and invested him with a species of idolatry. He had 
likewise a small private suite accompanying him, and was attended by an 
escort of distinguished gentlemen who had accompanied him from the 
South. He was the guest of the city, and just before dinner paid a visit 
to General William Clark, the superintendent of Indian affairs, and was 
much pleased with the curiosities of an Indian museum which that gentle- 
man had collected during his constant communication with the tribes of the 
Missouri and the Mississippi. In the evening there was a splendid ball 
given him at the Mansion House, followed by a supper.* There was a 
universal turnout of the elite of the city, and every social requisition called 
into being that might serve as auxiliary in giving evidence of grateful re- 
spect to this distinguished guest. 

On the next morning the marquis left for Kaskaskia, being escorted to 
the boat by crowds of citizens, who cheered him again and again as the 
boat left the shore, and lingered a long time watching its progress as it 
cleaved its way on the downward course of the "Father of Waters." 

In this year the first move was commenced to survey a road across 
the plains, that a direct trade should spring up with Mexico. In June, 
Major Sibley, who was one of the commissioners appointed by government, 
set out from St. Louis, accompanied by the surveyor, Mr. Joseph C. Brown, 
the secretary. Captain Gamble, with seven wagons, for the purpose of 
trading with the tribes of Indians on the route, and fully to survey the 
most direct road to Santa Fe; and this route afterward became the great 
highway of the Santa Fe trade. 

It was June 26th, 1825, that the first Presbyterian church was conse- 
crated by the Rev. Salmon Giddings, of St. Louis. It was the first temple 
which the Presbyterians had erected in the city for the purposes of wor- 
ship, and it was a jubilee for the followers of that creed, when they 
witnessed the dedication of their church, in which they could assemble 
according to their religious observances. Previous to this time the meet- 
ings were held in the Circuit Court room. 

After the demise of Governor Bates before his term of ©ffice had ex- 
pired, there were several candidates for the executive office, among the 
most prominent of whom were General John Miller, Judge David Todd, 
William C. Carr, and Colonel Rufus Easton. The two former had some 
military renown, and did their country service in the war of 1812. After 
an exciting political campaign, in which the antecedents of all three of the 
candidates were thoroughly brought before the public, and were garbled, 
misrepresented, eulogized or idolized, as friends or enemies discoursed upon 
them, General Miller was elected governor, and Colonel B. H. Reeves 
lieutenant-governor. 

1820. — There was an ordinance passed by the city authorities for the 

* The Mansion House was at that time the elite hotel, and was situated on ibe 
north-east corner of Third and Market streets. 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 339 

building of a court-house, wliich was immediately commenced ; an act 
was also passed l)y Congress for the erection of an arsenal somewhere near 
St. Louis. Some time in 1827, the arsenal was commenced, but it was 
many years after before the buildings connected with it were completed. 
The arsonal was situated a few blocks from the river, in the southern part 
of the city — the spot it still occupies. There was also an ordinance passed 
by the mayor and aldermen for the naming of the streets, and those streets 
were at that time baptized with the appellations by which we now know 
them. All their names were changed, with the exception of Market street, 
of those running westwardly.* 

In September of this year, the jail of the town was broken open by 
the prisoners who were confined therein, and among the number John 
Brewer, who was to have been hung the day following, escaped. He 
had been convicted of perjury, in a capital case, and the punishment for 
that offence, at that period, was death ; most of the other prisoners were 
captured, but, with the gallows as a phantom before him, he made good 
his escape. In that year was also organized the Missouri and Illinois Tract 
Society. 

1827. — Ordinances were passed by the mayor and aldermen for bor* 
rowing money for the erection of a market and town-house on the public 
square, between Market and Walnut streets, and fronting the river, which 
under the Spanish domination was called Place cTarmes. The first market 
which had been erected had become entirely too small for the wants of the 
city. An ordinance was also passed for the grading and paving of Chest- 
nut and Olive streets from Front street to the river, and also paving those 
streets from Main to Fourth ; and also Vine street from Main to Front. 
It was during this year that the Missouri Ilibernia Relief Society was 
organized by the enterprising and benevolent resident Irishmen of the city. 
The purpose of this society was " to relieve those distressed by want in 
their native land, and to assist those who wished to omigTato to our 
shores," James C. Lynch was the first president of the society, and 
William Pigott secretary .f 

1828. — The St. Louis Auxiliary American Colonization Society was 
formed, and the following gentlemen were its first efficient officers : 
President^ Hon. William C. Carr; F/cf-Pfes?c?en/s, Colonel John O'Fallon, 
Hon. James II. Peck, Dr. William Carr Lane, Edward Bates, Esq. ; Man- 
Offers, Theodore Hunt, Edward Charless, Henry S. Geyer, Charles S. 
Hempstead, Thomas Cohen, Robert Wash, H. L. Iloff'man, John Smith, 
Joseph C. Laveille, Salmon Giddings, John II. Gay, John M. E^eck; Cor- 
responding Secretary, Josiah Spalding; Recording Secretary, D. Hough ; 
Treasurer, H. Von Phul. During this year, Hugh King, a soldier in the 
United States army, was executed for killing the sergeant of his company. 

* From 1809 to this time, all tbe streets running west, with the exception of Market 
street, were known by letters. Market street was the standing lino between north and 
south, and the next streets on either side were termed North A and South A, and then 
the successive streets according to alphabetical enumeration were named. 

Previous to 1809, all the streets of the town went by their primitive French appel- 
lations. A reference to a map attached to this work will give all necessary information 
on this point. 

f There had been a society formed before, as early as 1818, for the same purpose, 
but it died almost cotemporaneously with its organization. 



340 THE GREAT WEST 



1829, — Daniel D. Page was elected mayor, and the work of grading 
and paving the streets progressed rapidly. Seventh street was extended 
to the northern boundary of the city ; Fourth street was ordered to be 
surveyed from Market to Lombard street, and Second street was graded 
and paved between Olive and Vine streets. Locust street was also 
graded and paved, from the western side of Main street to the western 
side of Fourth street. In August of that year, General John Miller was 
again elected governor of the state, and so popular was he, even in the 
adverse political party, that there was no opposing candidate. Sanmel 
Perry was elected at the same time lieutenant-governor, and achieved his 
political victory over his opponent by only four votes. Dr. Robert Simp- 
son was again elected sheriff of the city, largely beating his opponent, 
Frederick Hyatt. 

The Branch Bank of the United States was also established during this 
year, in St. Louis. The officers appointed to preside over the institution 
were Colonel John O'Fallon, president, Henry S. Coxe, cashier, George 
K. McGunnegle, clerk, and Thomas O. Duncan, teller. The first board of 
directors were William Clark, Thomas Biddle, Peter Lindell, William H. 
Ashley, John Mullanphy, George Collier, James Clemens, Jr., Matthew 
Kerr, Pierre Chouteau, Jr., Edward Tracey, Samuel Perry of Potosi, and 
Peter Bass of Boone county. During the number of years wliich this 
institution was in existence, it had the entire confidence of the community, 
and was of manifest advantage to the business of the place. During the 
time of its being, its directors were business men and men of honor, and, 
unlike the banks which had previously an existence in St. Louis, it closed 
its career in great credit, nor were there any maledictions attached to its 
memory. So efficiently and correctly was it carried on, that its entire loss 
to the government at its winding up was only one hundred and twenty- 
five dollars. 

1830. — A bridge was erected across Mill Creek, at the intersection of 
Fourth and Fifth streets, and St. Louis at that time gave indications of a 
city fast advancing in wealth, beauty, business, and all the municipal at- 
tributes. Numerous brick-yards had been established in the lower part 
of the city, and brick building* had become the fashion of the day. The 
frame or stone one-story cottage-houses, with their piazzas and large 
yards, significant of the French and Spanish time, were fast disappearing. 
Most of the extensive gardens, frequently occupying a whole square, in 
which grew delicious fruit, and on which were raised abundance of vege- 
tables, had either lost their original owners by death, and the property 
become divided; or else, tempted by cupidity, some old Frenchman or 
Spaniard sold liis habitation and his block of land, which had been grant- 
ed to him gratuitously by another government, and had risen to such 
value that he was tempted to part with it for the fabulous price it brought. 
Many of the old inhabitants possessing acres in the very heart of the 
city, as their taxes increased, were compelled, from inability to pay, 
either to sell them or see them sold publicly under legal attachment. 
There were many cases of this natui e ; for many of the old French fami- 
lies, after the advent of the America, s, still preserved their simple mode 
of life, nor seemed sensible of changing with the changing circumstances 
around them. They gathered the fruit from the trees, and raised their 
vegetables, until taxes and other wants so accumulated that they were 



AND HER COM>rERCIAL METROPOLIS. 341 

forced every few years to lop off a slice from their grants ; and their sim- 
plicity and nnbusiness-like habits were ofttimes taken advantage of by 
the enterprising race who had settled among them, and who unscrupu- 
lously and frequently accomplished their avaricious ends. 

In 1830, there was much excitement in St. Louis relative to the de- 
cisions of Judge James II. Peck, of the United States District Court, 
regarding some extensive land claims which some of the old French in- 
habitants contended had been granted to them under the Spanish domi- 
nation. Judge Peck was a jurist who could only be convinced by a 
chain of reasoning, and very properly viewed with prejudice and suspi- 
cion all claims which were not supported by proper legal proof. The 
cases in question were, Auguste Chouteau and others vs. United States, 
and the heirs of Mackey Wherry vs. the United States. The judge, 
suspecting from the remoteness of the legal links that the claims were 
not properly sup])orted, and that there was too much room for fraud to 
creep in the chasms, decided adversely to the claimants, llis decisions, 
which were published, were models of close legal arguments, though he 
did not give that wide latitude to the evidence which the claims of that 
nature seemed in justice to require. lie required something more than 
the face of the concession, and a proof of its genuineness. He went 
behind the record and inquired into the right of the lieutenant-governors 
in some cases to make the grants. The s\ispicions with which he regard- 
ed these Spanish concessions, called forth a public legal criticism from 
the pen of Judge Luke E. Lawless, the senior counsel for the claimants, 
which appeared anonymously in one of the public prints. The pub- 
lisher of the sheet was imtnediately arrested for contempt of judicial 
dignity; and Judge Lawless immediately avowed his authorship in open 
court, contending that the publication in question was only an examina- 
tion of a judicial decision, without any attempt to reflect upon official 
dignity. However, Judge Peck contended that the ermine had been 
touched by sacrilegious hands, and Judge Lawless was ordered to prison 
and suspended for a time from practising in that court. 

In obedience to that edict. Judge Lawless went to prison accompanied 
by a troop of his friends, but was released after a few hours confinement 
by a habeas corpus. He then, in retaliation for what he considered an 
outrage upon his feelings and a tyrannical display of authority, went to 
Washington and made charges against Judge Peck before the House of 
Representatives. After a careful investigation of the case the impeach- 
ment was dismissed. 

1831. — A writer in one of the public journals of this year thus speaks 
of St. Louis : " Our city is improving with great rapidity. Many good 
houses are building, in a style worthy the most flourishing seaport towns. 
The arts and useful manufactures are multiplying and improving. Mills, 
breweries, mechanical establishments, all seem to be advancing success- 
fully, for the good of the country, and we hope for the great profit of our 
enterprising and industrious fellow-citizens. The trade and navigation of 
this port are becoming immense. Steamboats are daily arriving and de- 
parting, from east, west, north, and south ; and as this place has some 
decided advantages over all the ports of the Ohio River, for laying up and 
repairing, we have no doubt that in a few years the building and repair- 
ing of steam-engines and boats will become one of the most important 



342 THE GREAT WEST 



branches of St. Louis business. We have all the materials, wood and 
metal, in abundance, and of the best quality. Already we have a foundry 
wliicli, it is hoped, will soon rival the best in Cincinnati and Pittsburg — 
and many skilful and enterprising mechanics. A bright prospect is be- 
fore us, and we look confidently to the day, and that not a distant one, 
when no town on the western waters will rank above St. Louis for indus- 
try, wealth, and enterprise. We hear that our worthy and active towns- 
man, Paul Anderson, has chosen this port to lay up his splendid boat, 
the Uncle Sa?ji, for the approaching season. She is a six hundred ton 
boat, and is said not to have a superior on the western waters." 

Political excitement ran high in the city. It was the time when the 
fame of Jackson was at its culminating point, and his name was the 
political battle-cry of his friends and a target for his enemies. The fol- 
lowing was the ticket of city candidates for that year, in St. Louis: 
Sheriff — John K. Walker,* James C. Musick, David E. Cuyler, George 
M. Moore. Coroner — John Bobb,* Jesse Colburn, Thomas Hobbs. 

The first idea that St. Louis ever had of a railroad was from an exhibi- 
tion during this year, in the old Baptist church, situated at the corner of 
Market and Third streets, of a miniature railroad. It consisted of a 
small circular track attached to a stage, on which was a small car with 
its miniature engine, which drove it around at the rate of seven miles per 
hour. The citizens regarded this as the great wonder of the day, and 
as the ultima thule of scientific perfection. 

St. Louis underwent considerable improvements during the year. The 
upper part of Third street was widened, a portion of it ordered to be 
graded and paved, and an ordinance passed for building the Broadway 
market. The immigration to the city was considerable, and the popula- 
tion was 5,963. The Missouri Insurance Company was also incorporated, 
with a capital of $100,000. George Collier was its president, and the 
following gentlemen, directors: John Mullanphy, Peter Lindell, II. Von 
Phul, Wm. Hill, Thomas Biddle, Bernard Pratte, and James Clemens, Jr. 
John Ford was secretary of the company. 

In August of this year. Bloody Island was again steeped in human 
blood, from a fatal duel between two citizens of high political and moral 
standing. Spencer Pettis was a young and promising lawyer, and the 
candidate for Congress of the Jackson party. He was opposed by David 
Barton, Esq., but unsuccessfully. Major Biddle, in a journal controversy, 
assailed the young political aspirant in terms so personally reflective, 
that Mr. Pettis, as a man of honor, felt bound to call him to an account 
in the manner prescribed by the bloody creed, which at that time was 
almost in universal observance. He challenged Major Biddle, who ac- 
cepted it; and on Friday evening, August 26th, the parties met on 
Bloody Island. 

Major Biddle was near-sighted, and, so as to neutralize the advantage 
which his opponent would have in consequence of his infirmity, he de- 
manded that the distance should be but five paces. This demand was 
acceded to, and the two rivals took their stations at that distance. At 
the first fire they both fell mortally wounded. Mr. Pettis survived but 



* Elected. 



AND HEB COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 343 



twenty-four hours, and Major Biddle but a few days. Both feeling that 
they had received their death-wounds, with a magnanimity which was 
truly chivalrous, exchanged forgiveness upon the battle-field. 

On the day following the death of Mr, Spencer Pettis, a large portion 
of the members of the St. Louis bar assembled at the residence of Mr. 
Andrew Burt, to express complimentary resolutions in honor of the deceased. 
The committee of arrangement was Messrs. Joseph C. Laveille, Edward 
Dobyns, T. Andrews, John Shade, Charles Keemle, Captain J. Ruland, R. 
H. M'Gill, and Daniel Miller. The chairman of the meeting was Thomas 
H. Benton, and Auguste Kennerly, secretary. 

A few days after the fatal termination of the wound of Major Biddle, 
the officers stationed at Jefferson Barracks assembled to give a proper 
expression of their esteem for a brother officer. General Atkinson was 
called to the chair, and Captain II. Smith appointed secretary. A com- 
mittee, consisting of Brigadier-General Leavenworth, Major Riley, Captain 
Palmer, Captain Harrison, and Captain Rogers, was selected, to draft 
resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting. The resolutions 
adopted were in keeping with the high-toned honor and chivalric merit 
of the deceased. 

In- consequence of the death of Mr. Pettis, there had to be another 
election for Congressman, and General William H. Ashley was elected. 

1832. — It was in the spring that a large detachment of United States 
troops left Jefferson Barracks under the command of Brigadier-General 
Atkinson, to chastise the Sauks and Foxes, who, under Black Hawk and 
the Prophet, had violated their treaty with the United States, by remov- 
ing east of the Mississippi, and had invaded, with fire and scalping-knife, 
the unprotected frontier settlements of Illinois. The horrible butcheries 
alarmed the whole of the pioneer settlers, and they deserted their homes 
and removed into the thickly settled country, where they could be in safety 
from their barbarous foe. Thus leaving their homes and property unpro- 
tected, many of them in a distressing state from disease ; and many fam- 
ilies were in want of the common necessaries of life. In the cold, shiv- 
ering hour of their distress, the inhabitants of St. Louis rallied to their 
rescue, and furnished assistance to comfort them in their sufferings. 

A meeting of the most respectable citizens was held at the City Hall, at 
which Archibald Gamble, Esq., presided, and G. K. Gunncgle was appointed 
secretary. On motion of Henry S. Geyer, Esq., a committee of thirteen 
was constituted to solicit donations in money and provisions for the relief 
of the suffering inhabitants of the frontiers of Illinois. The gentlemen con- 
stituting the committee were D. D. Page, John Kerr, H. King, P.Powell, 
A. L. Mills, George Sproule, William Finney, Thomas Cohen, John Smith, 
J. B. Brant, A. L. Johnson, J. W. Reel, and John H. Gay. 

Fortunately the Indian war was not of long duration, and the efficient 
generals of the United States army, aided by the energy of Governor 
Reynolds of Illinois, soon subdued the savages. Black Hawk and the 
Prophet were taken captives, and peace permanently established. 

We cannot dwell longer on the difficulties with the Indians and the 
conditions of the peace aiade with them, as that portion of history is 
somewhat extrinsic of our narration, and should not have been touched 
upon had it not been somewhat connected with the history of St. Louis, 
by the participation of the United States troops from Jefferson Barracks, 



34:4 THE GREAT WEST 



with the current events, and generous philanthropy of its inhabitants, 
which prompted them to take efficient measures to relieve their sufferino' 
neighbors. 

The inhabitants of St. Louis have never exhibited that apathy in politics 
which is often evinced in other cities of greater magnitude. The moment 
that the city became transferred to the United States and became peopled 
with Anglo-Americans, it became emphatically a political city. The 
cause of this was obvious. The immigration that came to the nevi^ town 
and settled in its precincts, was principally made up of persons of intel- 
ligence and ambitious hopes, who had forsaken their household gods, 
and had come to a new country to make for themselves a fortune and a 
name. They were persons of intelligence, ready to take whatever current 
would best serve to lead them on to fortune. They plunged into politics, 
and agitated as much as possible those waters, which were the natural 
reservoir of all men's opinions, and on which all eyes were fastened. They 
wished to be seen and known to the multitude, and launched into the 
element which would be more conducive tothe aims and ends of their ex- 
istence. The natural advantages of the city for all kinds of business pur- 
suits and professions have been developing year by year, and have never 
been exhausted by the demands of immigration, as great as it has been. 
There has always been an opening for the enterprising and ambitious, who 
continued to rush to the favored locality, and knowing that politics were in 
many instances the open Sesame to the strongholds of national preferment 
and greatness, they have ever kept it in agitation, nor suflFered political 
subjects to become stale or oblivious to the people. 

Amid the seasons of political excitement which have swept over St. Louis 
and ruffled popular feeling, there was no time at which there was more 
interest manifested than when the news came from the Capitol that 
General Jackson had vetoed the recharter of the United States Bank. To 
recharter the United States Bank was the darling wish of the speculators 
and coiiimercial men of the country, and even the solid, sterling business 
men of the Union were deluded to give it their support and countenance, 
from the apparent prosperity of all ramifications of business, which for a 
while is the natural consequence of flooding the country with a great 
amount of paper currency. They did not reflect that this paper currency, 
if thrown upon the country in such abundance that precluded the idea of 
redemption, gave an unhealthy expansion and deceptive appearance of 
thrift to every pursuit, and, like the dropsy, though enlarging the ap- 
pearance, is at the same time feeding upon the vitals. 

The people of St. Louis were rampant in their disappointment. They 
had suffered from the Jirst, Missouri Bank, the St. Louis Bank, and the 
Loan Office, though the latter was an institution guaranteed by the state; 
but the Branch Bank of the United States, since its establishment at St. 
Louis, had possessed the confidence of the citizens, had given them a 
healthful, unfluctuating currency, and they felt indignant at the act of the 
chief magistrate, which would produce the dissolution of an institution 
which, judging from their own experience, they thought had existed only 
for the welfare of the Union. 

Immediately on the reception of the veto, there was a howl of indigna- 
tion ; and a meeting of the citizens of the county and city of St. Louis 
was called at the court-house, in July, 1832, to give public expression to 



AND HEK COMMERCIAL METROPOLTS, 345 

their disapprobation. Dr. William Carr Lane presided at the meeting, 
and James L. Murray was appointed its secretary. Resolutions were 
drafted strongly expressive of indignation, by a committee chosen for that 
purpose, and consisting of the following gentlemen: Messrs. Edward 
Bates, Pierre Chouteau, Jr., George Collier, Thornton Grimsley, Henry S. 
Geyer, and Nathan Ranney. Dr. George W. Call, and Messrs. Frederick 
Hyatt, Matthew Kerr, Asa Wilgns, Thomas Cohen and R. H. McGill also 
took an active part in the meeting. 

General Jackson, however, had in St. Louis, as he had in every section 
of the Union, a large number of friends and admirers, who followed him 
with a blind confidence, and upheld with faithful diligence all his decrees; 
and, in order to neutralize the effect of the whig indignation meeting, 
they called a meeting of their partisans at the town-house, that they might 
publicly declare their approbation of the veto, which would be the death 
fiat of an institution which, from its enormous capital, would have such a 
controlling influence as not only to crush, at pleasure, every other moneyed 
institution, but would insinuate its corrupting tendencies in our congres- 
sional halls and sway the councils of the republic. Dr. Samuel Merry 
and Absalom Link presided at this meeting, and William Milburn was 
appointed secretary. The cotnmittee to draft resolutions was appointed 
by the chair, and consisted of the following gentlemen : Messrs. E. 
Dobyns, John Shade, James C. Lynch, L. Brown, B. W. Ayres, L H. 
Baldwin and P. Taylor. Colonel George F. Strother made a spirited 
address to the meeting. 

It is nearly twenty-eight years since these events took place, and the 
hero of New Orleans is "pillowed in his sarcophagus." Those who con- 
scientiously opposed him at that day, although they may not have justi- 
fied the dangerous precedent of diff'cring on a constitutional question with 
the Supreme Court of the United States, which is the appointed guardian 
of the constitution — yet, when a few years after the veto, they saw the 
rottenness of the favored institution, must acknowledge the benefits that 
accrued to the country by the president refusing to sign the bill for its re- 
charter. 

In August of the present year, there were three candidates for gover- 
nor — John Bull, Samuel C. Davis, and Daniel Dunklin. The latter, who 
was the Jackson candidate, was elected, and L. W. Boggs as lieutenant- 
governor. 

During the summer, that dreadful scourge of the human race, the 
Asiatic cholera, visited St. Louis, swelling the number of interments in 
the church-yards, and carrying desolation to many a fireside, whose mem- 
bers would long have withstood the slow elements of corporeal decay, and 
would have lived long in the tender relations subsisting in the family circle. 

The pestilence did not come upon St. Louis suddenly : it gave warnittg 
of its approach by invading New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and the 
southern cities. The most efficient measures were taken to remove all 
unhealthful matter from the streets and to cleanse them from impurities. 
All was of little avail; for the direful malady nestled on the wings of the 
breeze, and first visited the outskirts of the city. A soldier at Jefferson 
Barracks was first attacked with the virulent symptoms of the disease, 
and the attendant physician pronounced the case, though unwillingly, one 
of Asiatic cholera. 



346 THE GREAT WEST 



All intercourse with the military post was at once cut off, and it was 
fondly hoped that the pestilence niig-ht be kept from the city by careful 
sanitary measures. The hope was vain. In a few days it was in the heart 
of the city and raging with the utmost malignity. All who could leave 
the city, at once fled, and by this means the number of deaths was much 
abridged. 

The population of St. Louis at that time was G,918, including those 
who had left the town, and the number of deaths averaged for several 
days more than thirty per day ; and for two weeks more, there were about 
twenty victims to the disease daily. It continued its ravages for a month, 
and then disappeared. 

1833. — In February an effort was made to impeach William C, Carr, 
one of the circuit judges, and one of the oldest inhabitants, who had 
come to St. Lonis one month after the transfer from Spain to the United 
States. There is no doubt that the effort owed its origin principally to 
political prejudices, and the main features of the charge had no founda- 
tion in truth. 

The alleged charge was that "William C. Carr is wholly unqualified for 
the judicial station, and ought not to hold the oflSce of judge in the third 
judicial circuit court in the state of Missouri." 

Such was the nature of the general charge, which consisted of fourteen 
specifications, all of them alleging something which disqualified him for 
his responsible position. The charge and the specifications were carefully 
examined by both houses of the legislature, and the pioneer jurist of St. 
Louis was acquitted. 

In 1833, St. Louis first commenced the era of that prosperity which 
has since continued, and which has been so remarkable in the annals of 
city prosperity. From its foundation in 1764 to this period, its advance 
had been one of quiet and constant progression ; but the elements of 
prosperity for some years had been gradually collecting in force, and gave 
a momentum to every department in business. It was in 1817 that the 
first steamboat (the General Pike) first touched its levee, and then a new 
era in navigation commenced. The barges and Mackinaw boats gradual- 
ly disappeared, and the class of hardy boatmen termed the voycu/eiirs 
began to lose their pre-eminence. The rough boats and rough boatmen 
had had their day, and a new order of things brought about by the magi- 
cal wand of science, came at once into being. Since the first arrival of 
a steamboat, year by year they had increased in number, and at this 
time there was not a day but numbers of steamers landed at the levee, 
or departed for Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, and the Upper and Lower Missis- 
sippi. There was also a line of stages for Vincennes, and Louisville. 
Tjie time of performing the journey by coach, between St. Louis and 
Louisville, was three and a half days. There was also a stage line between 
St. Louis and Galena, and Peoria, via Springfield. There was as yet no 
railway to destroy the impediments of distance, and a journey through 
the interior of the western country, that could not be assisted by river 
navigation, if performed in early spring, was associated with every idea 
of discomfort; the horses floundering in mud-holes and probably not be- 
ing able to extricate the vehicle, and then the traveler had to step out 
ofttimes in the very middle of the sink, which held to his legs with such 
quicksand pertinacity that it frequently required considerable effort to dis- 




VIEW ON LUCAS PLACE. 
Residence of William M. Morrison, E^q. 




ST. LOUIS UNIVERSITY.— 9th Street corner of Washington Avenue. 
F. CoosEMANS, S. J. President. 




SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. 

Corner of 6tli aril Locust Streets, as it appeared before the steeple was blown down. 

Rev. Galusua Anderson, Pastor. 




CITY UNIVERSITY. 

Comer of 16th and Pine Streets. 

Hamilton R. Gamble, President. Edward Bredell, Vice-President. 

David H. Bishop, Secretary. 

FACULTY. 

Rev. E. C. Wines, D. D., President. John "W. Atcheson, A. M. 

David B. Tower, A. M. Edward Keller, A M. 



J 



AND HER COMMEKCIAL SIETROPOLT8. 347 

engage himself. Then often the rivulets had become so swollen that the 
horses had to ford them b}' swimming. The drivers of these vehicles 
were made of other stuff than their descendants of the present day. If 
they encountered a large stream of water, which, from a freshet, had swept 
away the bridge, or which had become so increased from frequent rains 
that the horses in making the passage could not reach terra Jinna, they 
immediately unloosed the harness, and mounting the passengers on the 
horses, in this manner gained the opposite side — not regarding the soak- 
ing habiliments of the traveller with any kind of disquietude or uneasi- 
ness ; they would then return for the coach and drag it through the 
water, after getting it half filled or more with that element, and then 
baling out the water pursue their journey without thinking they had en- 
countered any obstacle outside of the ordinary routine. 

There was an ordinance established in the spring of this year, appoint- 
ing a weigher for the city, so that hay and stone-coal coming into the 
town for sale, might be weighed. The office and scales were established 
adjoining Market square. 

In the election of this year for mayor, Dr. Samuel Merry was elected; 
but liis election was contested upon the ground of unconstitutionality, 
Dr. Merry being a receiver of public moneys, which office he held under 
appointment of the president. 

In one of the articles in the amendment of the constitution of the 
state, it is laid down that " no person holding an office of profit under 
the United States, and commissioned by the president, shall, during his 
continuance in said office, be eligible, appointed to, hold, or exercise any 
office of profit under this state." 

The only question to be settled was, whether the office of mayor was 
an office under the state. Dr. Merry, the elected candidate, contended 
that it was exclusively a municipal appointment, and therefore did not 
come under the prohibition. However, the board of aldermen took a dif- 
ferent view.of the matter, and declared in conclave that the office of 
mayor, though a municipal appointment, was still an office of the state, 
and had many of his duties laid down m the statute enactments; and 
that the former incumbent, Daniel D. Page, should continue as mayor 
until after another election. 

The case finally went to the Supreme Court, and the decision of the 
aldermen was sustained. It was then agreed that the president of the 
board of aldermen should officiate as chief executive officer until the 
election took place in the following autumn, when Colonel John W.John- 
son was elected. 

Missouri has always been cursed with a lottery system, dating from al- 
most her early territorial existence to the present time. So as to increase 
the revenue of the state, and for the purpose of making certain improve- 
ments, the legislature licenses lotteries, which, though answering the pur- 
pose of revenue, yet by a plausible temptation allure the credulous to 
invest, in the hopes of a speedy fortune; and in many instances, and in 
a short time, by their nefarious system bring poverty and discord to many 
a hearthstone where once reigned plenty and happiness. 

In 1833, there was a newspaper controversy between two well-known 
lottery dealers, James S. Thomas and James R. McDonald, who carried 
on two difterent lotteries. The diflBculty arose from the fact that at the 
15 



34:8 THE GREAT WEST 



preceding session of the legislature a bill had been passed, authorizing 
the drawing of a lottery for the purpose of creating a sum of ten thou- 
sand dollars for building a hospital for the Sisters of Charit}^ where they 
could efficiently exercise their mission of mercy prescribed by their creed, 
in soothing the invalid during the hours of sickness and suffei'ing by 
ministering to the physical and mental wants. The commissioners ap- 
pointed by the legislature had sold this lottery to James S. Thomas. In 
this newspaper controversy it was made to appear that the gains arising 
from the scheme would be immense for Mr. Thomas, and by his system 
of lottery-drawing untold gains would flow into his cofters by the con- 
tract. 

The publication excited much interest at the time, and the suspicions 
of the community becoming aroused, a committee was selected to exam- 
ine into the mysteries of the lottery drawing which had received the 
patronage of the state authorities. 

The committee consisted of the following gentlemen : N. H. Ridgely, 
David H. Hill, George K. McGunnegle, D. Hough, Augustus Kerr, John 
F. Darby, and Bernard Pratte, Sr. After examining if the scheme were 
fraudulent, as fruit of their diligent labor they gave to the public a long 
and favorable statement concerning the honesty of the drawing. The 
following is the clause of acquittal on the ground of fraud : 

" Your committee then, after an attentive review of the subject, are of 
opinion that the charge made against this scheme, that it affords the 
manager an opportunity of fraudulently realizing a great and unusual 
proportion of profit, is not sustained." After this explanation, the pub- 
lic looked with additional favor upon the lottery ; and the object being 
for the erection of a hospital to be under the charge of the Sisters of 
Charity, the gambling scheme thus ministering to the cause of religion, 
became popular, and a large portion of the tickets were quickly sold. 

While thus speaking of the Sisters of Charity, we will give a little sketch 
of their order — as the order is so well known in St. Louis, and identified 
with religion and philanthropy — as given by an eminent divine of Balti- 
more : 

" The society known by the name of the Sisters of Charity, was founded 
in Paris about the year 1646, by St. Vincent of Paul. The intention of 
this illustrious benefactor of mankind in establishing this society was to 
procure relief to humanity in its most suffering stages. Accordingly, 
attendance on the sick in hospitals and infirmaries, visiting prisoners, the 
education of the poor, and the performance of every work of mercy, 
engage the attention and solicitude of the pious daughters of St. Vincent. 
This society is certainly one of the most useful that has ever been estab- 
lished, and has never failed to command universal admiration in the coun- 
tries in which it has been known. Even Voltaire, opposed as he was to 
every thing that bore the appearance of Christianity, could not withhold 
from it his measure of praise. 'Perhaps,' says he, in his Ussai sur U Hist. 
G^e« era/, 'there is nothing more sublime on earth, than the sacrifice of 
beauty, of youth, and frequently of high birth, which is made by a tender 
sex, to assuage, in our hospitals, the assemblage of every human misery, 
the very sight of which is so humiliating to our pride, and so shocking to 
our delicacy.' The order was soon spread through the different kingdoms 
of Europe. France, Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands, yet feel the 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 349 

advantage of having the members of this community to attend their hos- 
pitals. 

*'In 1709, the sphere of usefulness of these truly pious ladies was ex- 
tended to the United States, through the means of Mrs. Seaton, of New 
York, a lady of distinguished birth and education, whose name is yet ven- 
erated by all who knew her, and whose memory will be blessed by children 
yet unborn, who will feel the beneficial influence of her disinterested piety 
and self devotion. 

"In Baltimore, her designs were encouraged by the Most Rev. Dr. 
Carroll, then archbishop of Baltimore. By bis directions, the original 
constitutions of St. Vincent were modified, so as to suit the manners and 
customs of our country. The modifications received his sanction, and 
Mrs. Seaton was exhorted to proceed. A few ladies joined her in her 
arduous and heroic undertaking, and she established her little community 
about fifty miles from Baltimore, in the Valley of St. Joseph, near the 
town of Emmettsburg, in Frederick county, Maryland. This is the prin- 
cipal establishment, and is called by them the mother house. Here they 
have an academy for the instruction of young ladies, on a very extensive 
plan. 

"The community is governed by a superior, called mother, an assist- 
ant mother, and two counsellors. The officers are elected every three 
years by a majority of votes. No one can hold the place of mother for 
more than two terms consecutively. The sisters make their engagements 
for one year only. At the end of this time they are at liberty to leave 
the society, if they think proper. Their vow of poverty is strict in the 
extreme. They receive no remuneration for their services; a small sum 
is paid to the community, barely sufficient for their apparel, and to provide 
for the contingency of sickness. 

"The Catholic orphan asylums and charity schools in most of the large 
cities in the United States have been placed under their direction. They 
have an establishment in Boston, one in Albany, two in New York, one 
in Brooklyn, three in Philadelphia, one in Wilmington, Delaware, one in 
Baltimore, two in Washington City, one in Alexandria, one in Frederick 
City, one in Cincinnati, one in St. Louis, and one in New Orleans. It 
is impossible to recount the good which is performed by them in these 
institutions, or to tell how many hundreds they have saved from igno- 
rance, and perhaps from infamy. In Baltimore, they have the charge of 
the infirmary which is connected with the medical college, and in St. 
Louis an hospital is placed under their care. It is in such haunts of suf- 
fering that their usefulness is more feelingly known. With what tender 
sympathy do they not receive the patient, who is to be the object of their 
future care! He meets with hearts which are melted at the recital of his 
sufferings; and the true compassion which he witnesses gives him the 
assurance that in them he will find affectionate mothers. With what 
unwearied patience do they not watch every accidental change in the 
disease! With what tender solicitude do they not give every relief! 
They are ingenious in inventions to save him from pain, and procure him 
the least momentary comfort. With soothing and" consoling words they 
revive his drooping spirits; with religious zeal they alleviate the agonies 
of death, and by seasonable exhortations, prepare his soul to appear 
before a sovereign Judge. These are the helps, spiritual and corporeal. 



350 THE GREAT WEST 



which reHgion suggests to the feeling heart of a pious woman, and in 
which religion alone can give her the courage to persevere. 

" When the dreadful scourge which has depopulated our cities visited 
Philadelphia, tlie civil authorities of that city expressed a wish to have 
the assistance of the Sisters of Charity. The wish was made known to 
the community by the Right Rev. Dr. Kenrick, and by return of the 
mail thirteen of the heroines were landed in Philadelphia, ready to rush 
with joy to the assistance of those from whom the rest of the world 
seemed to fly with horror. The scene at the mother's house, when the 
request was made known, was related to me by an eye-witness, and is 
characteristic of the devotedness of this pious community. The council 
was assembled, a favorable determination immediately taken, and a selec- 
tion made of those who were to start. Joy beamed upon the counte- 
nances of those who were selected, and preparations were soon made, 
while those who remained behind, with sorrow upon their brow, looked 
with pious envy on those upon whom the happy lot had fallen. 

"In Baltimore the same request was made, and was met with equal 
heroism. It was here that was immolated the first victim of charity, in 
the person of sister Mary Frances, the daughter of the late Benedict 
Boarman, of Charles county, Maryland, once admired in the extensive 
circle in which she moved. On the morning of the day in which she 
died, she fainted from weakness occasioned by the premonitory symp- 
toms of cholera. 

"While preparing to take the remedies which had been prescribed 
for her, a patient, a colored woman, was brought into the hospital. 
The case seemed desperate, and to require immediate assistance ; and 
the heroic sister forgot herself to give relief to the patient. But her deli- 
cate frame was too weak, and the disease too strong, and in a few hours 
the cherished, accomplished, and pious Mary Frances, was a lifeless corpse. 
The death of this sister did not deter the others. There was no panic, no 
alarm, not even concern ; but with a devotedness which can scarcely be 
conceived or credited, her place was sought with emulation, and the catas- 
trophe only increased their courage. 

"The feelings with which the news of the immolation of this first vic- 
tim was received at the mother house, it would be diflScult to express ; 
she was loved, she was cherished as a sister, but could her fate be regret- 
ted ? They cannot be better pictured than in the words of the honorable 
mayor of the city of Baltimore, in the letter he wrote to the community 
on the occasion : ' To behold,' says he, ' life thus immolated in so sacred 
a cause, produces rather a sensation of awe than of sorrow ; a sentiment 
of resignation to the Almighty fiat, rather than a useless regret at the 
aflSicting event.' 

" The next victim was sister Mary George, the daughter of Jacob Smith, 
a wealthy farmer in Adams county, Pennsylvania. She dedicated herself 
at an early age. to the service of her neighbors, and was soon called to 
receive the crown which her devoted charity deserved. She died in Bal- 
timore, of the epidemic, in the nineteenth year of her age. 

" Several other members of this heroic band were attacked, either in 
the cholera hospitals or in the county and city alms-house, where the epi- 
demic was most fatal, but they have escaped death, only to be ready, at 
some future call, to administer relief and comfort to the suffering." 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 



351 



The Eagle powder mills were erected this year, by Major Phillips and 
Dr. Lane, in the southern part of the city, and their powder became justly 
celebrated. They were soon afterward blown to pieces by an accidental 
explosion. 

That the reader may form an estimate of the value of articles in St. 
Louis at this time, we will give the prices current of its market : 



ST. LOUIS WHOLESALE PRICES CURRENT. 

Molasses, gal. $0 35 a 

Nails— cut, lb. 06i a 

Oil — Sperm, gal. 65 a 

Linseed, .... gal. 1 00 a 

Tanners, .. . bbl. 18 00 a 

Pork— Mess, bbl. 11 00 a 

Prime,. .. bbl. 10 50 



Ale and Porter,.. . 


bbl. 






$8 00 


Bacon, Hams, 


lb. 


03 


a 


09 


Hog, round 


lb. 


05^ 


a 


06 


Beans, 


bush. 






75 


Beef, 


bbl. 


8 00 


a 


10 00 


Beeswax, 


lb. 


16i 


a 


17 


Butter, 


lb. 


10 


a 


12 


Castings, 


ton, 
gal. 


1 35 


a 


70 00 


Castor Oil, 


1 37 


Candles — Sperm, . 


lb. 


40 


a 


42 


Mould, . 


lb. 


13 


a 


14 


Dipt., . . 


lb. 


11 


a 


12 


Clover Seed, 


bush. 


7 00 


a 


8 00 


Coal, 


bush. 


10 


a 


12 


Coffee, [in demand] 


lb. 


15i 






Cordage — White, . 


lb. 


06 


a 


08 


Manilla, 


lb. 


20 


a 


22 


Copperas, 


lb. 


02 


a 


03 


Cotton, 


lb. 


11 


a 


12 


Cotton Yarns, . . . 


!b. 


25 


a 


27 


Furs — Beaver, . . . 


lb. 






3 50 


Musk rat, . . 


skin. 


20 


a 


25 


Deer skins 










shaved, . 


lb. 


20 


a 


22 


Deer skins 










in Hair, . 


lb. 


10 


a 


12 


Raccoon, . . 


skin, 


30 


a 


33 


Feathers, 


lb. 


37 


a 


40 


Flour — superfine, 










Illinois,. 


bbl. 


4 50 


a 


4 75 


superfine, 










Ohio,.. . 


bbl. 


4 25 


a 


4 50 


Mackerel, 


bbl. 


6 00 


a 


8 00 


Glass— 10 bv 12,. 


box, 


5 00 


a 


5 25 


8 by 10,. 


box. 


4 00 


a 


4 25 


Grain — Wheat,. . . 


bush. 


60 


a 


62 


Corn, 


bush. 


45 


a 


50 


Gunpowder — 










Dupont's, 


keg, 






7 00 


Ky. & Dehvare, 


keg, 






6 50 


Hides — Dried, . . . 


lb. 


11 


a 


12 


Iron — 










Missouri & Juni 


- 








ata, ton 2,000 lbs. 






120 00 


Lard, 


lb. 






06 


Lead — 










Bar, 


lb. 






06 


Pig, 


lb. 


M 


a 


4 62^ 


White, in oil, [in 








dMuaiid] 


keg. 






2 75 


Linen — Tow 


Vd. 


13 


a 


14 


Flax, .... 


yd. 


20 


a 


22 



25 
05 
09 

15 



Potatoes, bush. 

Rice, lb. 

Sugar, lb. 

do Loaf, lb. 

do Havana, 

white,... lb. 12 a 

Salt— 
Liv.blown.[sc.]bu.of501bs85 a 

Ground, do 70 a 

Turks Island,. . . do 62 a 
Kanawha, do 

Shot, bas. 

Cogniac Brandy, 



gal. 
gal. 
gal. 
gal. 



American do . 
Peach do . 

Holland Gin, . 

Common do.... gal. 

N. 0. Rum, gal. 

Jamaica do gal. 

Whisky — common gal. 

Rye,. . . gal. 

Tallow, lb. 

Tar, bbl. 

Tea- 
Gunpowder, . . . lb. 

Imperial, lb. 

Young Hyson, . lb. 

Vinegar, bbl. 

Wine — 

Madeira, gal. 

Tenerifte, gal. 

S. Madeira,.. . . gal. 

Port. gal. 

Malaga, gal. 

Champagne,... . doz. 

Claret, doz. 



45 
1 50 
1 25 

75 

1 25 
50 
50 

1 10 
28 
40 
08 

4 50 

1 25 
1 20 
1 00 
4 00 

3 00 
1 00 

1 50 

2 00 
70 

14 00 

4 00 



$0 37 

07 

70 

1 12 

20 00 

12 00 

11 00 

37 

06 

10 

17 

13 



90 

75 

65 

50 

1 62 

1 75 

1 00 

1 25 

1 50 

60 

55 

1 15 

30 

45 

09 

5 GO 



1 33 
1 30 
1 06 

5 00 

4 00 
1 25 

1 75 

2 50 
75 

18 00 
4 50 



PROVISION MARKET. 

Beef, lb. $0 05 

Veal, lb. 08 

Mutton, lb. 06 

Butter lb. 12^ 

Eggs, doz, 18i 

Ciiickens, (full grown,) 25 

do young, 12^ 



352 THE GKEAT WEST 



In 1834-37, St. Louis continued rapidly to increase. Its prosperity 
was a solid prosperity, not a pampered state of things brouglit about by 
the inflated tendencies of a plethoric paper currency, but a hoaltliv in- 
crease of all departments of business springing from natural and salutary 
causes. There was scarcely any paper money afloat, the currency being 
in gold and silver, as there was no bank in the city and state. 

A hard currency was always a hobby with Colonel Benton, who had 
been United States senator since Missouri was made a state in 1820. 
After the disgraceful failures of the Bank of St. Louis and Bank of Mis- 
souri, and the short and equally degraded existence of the Loan-Office, 
the people for some years were content to be without any banking insti- 
tutions, which appeared to keep the financial currents in a state of con- 
tinual agitation. The establishment of the branch bank of the United 
States, which during its existence was managed with judgment and con- 
ducted honorably, gave them a better opinion of banking; and after the 
winding up of that institution, there was a desire manifested by the 
business part of the community to create a moneyed institution to supply 
its place. Application was made at sundry times during the sessions of 
the legislature in 1835-36, without success; and as a last resort, banks 
of other states were invited to establish branch banks in the city, so that 
money might become more plentiful by having a fountain which would 
flood the country with a paper currency. 

In March, 1835, the legislature passed an act allowing the city authori- 
ties to make sale of the " Commons," if it were the wish of the inhabi- 
tants who were property holders in the town as it was bounded in 1812. 
At this time the city was much in want of a sufficient fund for muni- 
cipal improvement ; for its inducements for business had caused dwell- 
ings to multiply, and also new streets to be opened, before the funds of 
the city were sufficient to grade them. The inhabitants quickly consent- 
ed to the sale, and one-tenth of the proceeds was devoted to the support 
of public schools. 

Just at this time the immigration to St. Louis was immense, and the 
city realized more from the sale of the "Commons" than the most san- 
guine expectations had hoped for. One single fact will convey to the 
reader an idea of the increasing commerce of the city, when we state that 
on the night of the 11th November, 1835, there were eight steamboats 
which arrived at the wharf. The following extract from the steamboat 
register will furnish some idea of the trade of the city in some of its 
material departments : 

No. of different boats 121 

Aggregate tonnage 15,470 

No. of entries 803 

Wiiarfage collected from do $4,573 60 

"Wood and lumber liable to wharfage — 

Plank, joists, and scantling 1,414,330 feet 

Shingles ' 148,000 

Cedar posts (8's) 7,706 

Cords firewood 8,066 

A writer in one of the popular journals of the day thus speaks of the 
increasing business of the city : 

" We cannot refrain from drawing the attention of the reader to the 



AND HEK COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 353 

number of arrivals of steamboats during the past year, which show an in- 
crease on the former, as does the amount of revenue secured, which is 
commensurate with the activity and enterprise of our citizens. Every 
successive year, for the last ten, has shown a like increase. In referring 
to the statement furnished for 1831, we find that in that year sixty dif- 
ferent boats arrived in our harbor, and the number of entries was 532 ; 
the aggregate amount of tonnage, 7,769 tons, and the amount of revenue 
accruing from the same, was $2,167,45. Thus it will be seen, that in this 
comparatively short period, our commerce has more than doubled. Our 
advancement has not been stimulated by a feverish excitement, nor can 
it be said to have increased in the same ratio as many other places, but 
it has been firm and steady, and nothing is permanent which is not 
gradual. The prosperity of our city is laid deep and broad. Much as 
we repudiate the lavish praises which teem from the press, and little as 
we have heretofore said, we cannot suffer this occasion to pass, without a 
few remarks on the chaniies which are going on around us. Whether 
we turn to the right or to the left, we see workmen busy in laying the 
foundation, or finishing some costly edifice. The dilapidated and antique 
structure of the original settler, ,is fast giving way to the spacious and 
lofty blocks of bricks, or stone. But comparatively a few years ago — 
even within the remembrance of our young men — our town was con- 
fined to one or two streets, running parallel with the river — the ' half- 
moon ' fortifications ; the bastion, the tower, the rampart — were then 
known as the utmost limits. What was then termed the ' hill,' now 
forming the most beautiful part of the town — covered with elegant man- 
sions — but a few years ago was overrun with shrubbery. A tract of land 
was purchased by a gentleman now living, as we have understood, for 
two barrels of whiskey, which is now worth Jialf a million of dollars. 
Here and there we meet a few of the early pioneers, men who, like those 
who possessed the land before them, are fast fading away, and their places 
are taken by another generation. But we cannot do justice to those 
' who have gone before us.' Prolific as the subject is, our object is to 
speak of the present. No one who consults the map, can fail to perceive 
the foresight which induced the selection of the site on which this city 
is founded. She already commands the trade of a larger section of ter- 
ritory, with a few exceptions, than any other city in the union. With a 
steamboat navigation more than equal to the whole Atlantic sea-board — 
with internal improvements, projected and in progress — with thousands 
of emigrants spreading their habitations over the fertile plains which 
everywhere meet the eye — who can deny that we are fast verging to the 
time, when it will be admitted that this city is the ' Lion of the West.'* 
We do not speak from any sectional bias, nor would we knowingly de- 
ceive any, but we firmly believe that any one who will candidly weigh 
the advantages we possess, will admit that our deductions are correct. 
We have no desire to see our citizens making improvements beyond the 
means they possess. As we have before remarked, nothing is permanent 
which is not gradual. We take pleasure in bearing testimony to the 

* Newspaper writers then, as now, were not very particular about the proper ap- 
plication of metaphors, and in their bluriderinp; hurry would frequently invest the 
female with the terrible attributes of the rougher gender. 



354 THE GREAT WEST 



prudence and foresij^ht which have characterized our citizens. Thev have 
avoided, in a commendable manner, the mania which has too fatally pre- 
vailed in many places. It has a deleterious influence on the ultimate 
success of a community. 

"The improvements which are contemplated in the spring, will liave a 
decided effect on the appearance of the city. Many of the buildings 
will be of a superior order of architecture. Among the latter will be a 
theatre, a church, and hotel. 

" We fear that the scarcity of competent workmen will deter many of 
the improvements contemplated, from being completed. 

"Intimately connected with the prosperity of the city, is the fate of 
the petition pending in Congress, for the removal of the sand-bar now 
forming in front of our steamboat landing. It is a source of no incon- 
siderable importance to every one, and connected as it is with the com- 
merce of the western section of the valley of the Mississippi, we cannot 
but hope that Congress will give a speedy ear to the petition, and grant 
an appropriation which will eftectually remove this growing obstacle. 
There can be but one opinion in regard to its justice. Relying, as we do, 
on the good faith of the government, we cannot harbor the idea that we 
shall be defeated." 

Amid the heterogeneous population Avhich flocked to the city at this 
time, were many gamblers and persons of suspicious character, who 
followed their nefarious operations and took every opportunity to prey 
upon the unwary. The whole of the southern country appeared to have 
swarmed with persons of this description, to the great injury of society 
and the prosperity of business. Without the canopy of attempted con- 
cealment, they pursued their unlawful business and scoff'ed at interference, 
until the citizens of Vicksburgh, at a public meeting of the most respect- 
able citizens, declared that every f/cimblcr should leave the city in twenty- 
four hours. The gamblers laughed at this edict, which they thought was 
only a pretended demonstration and would not l)e enforced ; and if at- 
tempted to be enforced, they thought their numbers and their known 
desperate character could off"er sufficient protection. They disobeved the 
commands of the citizens, which had been duly served upon them, and 
when they found that the resolutions of the meeting were being enforced, 
they armed themselves, and killed a young physician of promise and pop- 
ularity. This murder turned hatred into vengeance ; and having seized 
upon all who had not escaped, the citizens resolved upon a speedy retrib- 
utive punishment. The gamblers were bound and taken to (he outskirts of 
the city, and, without shrift or trial, summarily executed upon the gallows. 

This act of the citizens of Vicksburgh arising from extremity, and 
which can only be palliated upon that ground and never justified, re- 
ceived the cordial endorsement of many cities* in the Union. Public 
meetings were held in Cincinnati, Louisville, Charlestown, and other 
towns, approving of the mode, and counselling similar measures. The 
law was not sufficient to arrest this evil ; and when the people of Vicks- 
burgh, in attempting to get themselves rid of it by high-handed measures, 
lost one of their number by the hands of the gamblers, and then hung 
them sine jure, sine gratia, the people of the Union sustained them. 

The citizens of St. Louis determined to rid themselves of the gamblers, 
idlers, and loafers who corrupted the morals and manners of society, 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 355 

destroyed many a fair fame, blighted youthful hopes, and, like malarious 
exhalations, infected every thing within their influence. 

John F. Darby was mayor of the city ; and immediately an ordinance 
was passed for trying those persons suspected of having no honorable 
means of obtaining a livelihood, and subjecting them to punishment. A 
man being at the head of municipal affairs, whom it was well-known 
would execute laws with the same spirit with which they were created, 
struck terror into the gambling fraternity, and all others who lived by 
preying upon society ; and when the law was at once put into action, 
and several well-known cluiracters were brought before the mayor's tri- 
bunal and sentenced to imprisonment, there was a general exodus of the 
bad class of individuals, and the city comparatively freed from their 
presence.* 

St. Louis, so bountifully favored by nature in location, was materially 
assisted in its advance by the enterprise of its inhabitants. Most of the 
immigrants who had swelled her population were men of intelligence, 
ambition, and business qualifications, who were prompt to adopt any 
measure^ which could benefit the city and its inhabitants. A great na- 
tional road was building across the Union, which would pass through the 
principal cities of the Western states; and in 1835, a meeting of the 
citizens of St. Louis was called, in pursuance of a proclamation by John 
F. Darby, the mayor, for the purpose of memorializing Congress to let 
the road cross the Mississippi at St. Louis, in its extension to Jefferson 
City. The mayor presided at the meeting, and George K. Mc(iunnegle 
acted as secretary. A committee was appointed to draft the memorial, 
and much interest was felt in the great national road. 

There was a sand-bar, wliich had collected in front of the city, and 
straightway the inhabitants instructed their representatives in Congress to 
make an appropriation for its removal. The sum appropriated was fifteen 
thousand dollars at that time, which was afterward much increased, to 
improve the harbor. 

The railroad mania had commenced to seize upon some of the old states 
which bordered the Atlantic, and the journals of the whole country were 
teeming with the advantages which a successful trial of the new systen 
of improvement had indicated in the sections of the country where it 
was carried into efiicct. The citizens of St. Louis immediately caught 
the enterprising contagion, and they determined that their own exertions 
should not be wanting. An Internal Lnprovemcnt Convention was called 
in St. Louis, which the different counties of the state interested in the 
movement were invited to attend. The call was promptly attended to, 
and on the 20th of April, 18-35, the convention met at the court-house, 
and was organized by calling Dr. Samuel Merry to the chair, and appoint- 
ing G. K. McGunnegle secretary. The names of the gentlemen represent- 
ing their respective counties who were present were as follows : 

From St. Louis County — Edward Tracy, Major J. B. Brant, Colonel John O'Fallon, 
Dr. Sam\iol Merry, Arcliibald Gamble, M. L. Clark, Colonel Joseph C. Laveille, 
Thornton Grimsley, H. S. Geyer, Colonel Henry Walton, Lewellyn Brown, Henry 
Vou Phul, George II. McGunnegle, Colonel B. W. Ayres, Pierre Chouteau, jr., and 
Hamiltou R. Gamble. 



■ Mr. Darby was elected mayor in the spring of this year (1835.) 



356 THE GREAT WEST 



From Lincoln County — Colonel David Bailej', Hans Smith, Emanuel Block, Benjamin 
W. Dudley, and Dr. Bailey. 

From Washinriton County — Dr. J. H. Relf, Philip Cole, John S. Brickey, Jesse H. 
Mcllvaine, Myers IT. Jones, James Evans, and W. C. Reed. 

From Coopar County — Benjamin E. Ferry, N. W. Mack, and William H. Trifjj:. 

From Warren County — Carty Wells, Natlianiel Pendleton, and Irvine S. Pitman. 

From St. Charles County — Edward Bales, Moses Bigelovv, William M. Campbell, and 
W. L. Overall. 

From Calloioay County — William H. McCullough, William H. Russell, D. R. Mullen, 
Dr. N. Konns, C. Oxley, Jacob G. Lebo, R. B. Overton, and Moxley. 

Fom Montgoniery County — Dr. M. M. Maughas, S. C Rub}', arid Nathaniel Dryden. 

From Boone. County — Dr. James W. Mos.s, John B. Gordon, J. W. Keiser, D. M. Hick- 
man, J. S. Rollins, William Hunter, R. W. Morri.ss, and Granville Branham. 

From Hoivard County — Dr. John Bull, Major Alphonso Wetmore, Weston F. Birch, 
Joseph Davis, General J. B. Clark, T. Y. Stearns, and John Wilson. 

From Jefferson County. — James S. McCutchen. 

It was particularly urged at that mcetiug that two railroads should 
especially be considered and recommended to the legislature — one from 
St. Louis to Fayette, and the other from St. Louis to the iron and lead 
mines in the southern part of the state. It is foreign to the limits of 
this history to enter into any detailed account of the proceedings of the 
convention; we will only remark that the important object of the meeting 
was duly estimated, and the germ commenced to vegetate, which has 
been the prolific source of the numerous railroads which, like a network, 
are encompassing the whole state, and developing its resources. 

After their deliberations and labors in conclave, the convention, so as 
to give a zest to social feeling, met at the National Hotel, which was 
situated on the corner of Third and Market streets, where a truly epi- 
curean dinner was prepai-ed for the festive occasion. John F. Darby, the 
mayor, presided, assistecl by the vice-presidents, General John Ruland, 
Honorable H. O'Neil, Thomas Cohen, Major William Milburn, Beverly 
Allen, Colonel J. W. Johnson, W. G. Tettus, and by the secretary, Charles 
Keemle. 

To support and further the enterprising objects of the convention, the 
County Court appropriated two thousand dollars to assist in liquidating 
the expenses connected with the survey of the two railroads specially 
recommended by the convention. 

Immediately following the convention, the citizens of St. Louis were 
horrified by a dreadful murder perpetrated in their midst. A mulatto by 
the name of Mcintosh, for interfering with ofiicers in discharge of their 
duty, was arrested. He was being conducted to prison by George Ham- 
mond, deputy sheriff of the county, and William Mull, deputy con.stable. 
Suddenly breaking the hold of the officers, the negro drew a long knife, 
one of those formidable weapons frequently carried by sailors, to make 
an assault, or defend themselves in case of attack when on shore. He 
made a pass at Mull, but the officer, by a celerity of moment, avoided 
it. The next thrust was better aimed, and penetrated the left side, in- 
flicting a terrible wound, Hammond, the deputy sheriff, during the 
attack upon Mull, grasped the negro by the back of the neck, biit the 
latter, being an active, powerful fellow, wheeled suddenly round, aiming 
at the time his knife at the throat of the ofticer. It was a death-blow, 
severing all the large arteries, and, staggering a few paces, the worthy 
officer expired. The miscreant fled, but not to escape ; for Mull, though 



AND HEK COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 357 

bleeding profusely, followed him, and citizens joining in the pursuit, he 
■was soon arrested, and conducted to prison. 

The news of the atrocious murder was soon bruited through the city, 
and the crowd numbering in a short time a thousand persons, gathered 
around the dead body of the officer, wJio was universally loved and 
respected. Soon the wife of the murdered man, accompanied by her 
children, came upon the spot, and the desolation of their anguish at the 
sight of the husband and father weltering in his blood, excited the 
sympathy of the crowd, and moved them to take summary vengeance 
upon the murderer. The exclamations of pity soon became changed ijnto 
expressions of rage and fury. The cry of "Hang him! hang him!" 
sounded from the lips of the mnltitude, which soon changed, as they 
rushed to the jail, into the dreadful sentence of " Burn him ! burn Mm /" 

The final decree was carried into execution. The negro was dragged 
from the jail, carried to the suburbs of the town, and was soon bound to 
a scrubby tree, which was quickly surrounded with a pile of resinous 
dried wood. The torch was soon applied, and, amid the most piercing 
cries and contortions of the body as the flames licked his quiverino* 
flesh, the victim terribly expiated his crime,* 

The proceeding was an unlawful one on the part of the people; but it 
was one of those occasions which has frequently arisen from some extreme 
enormity, driving the popular mind beyond the bounds of reason, and 
though always tolerated can never be defended, even by the wide license 
of that popular doctrine " vox 2}opuli, vox Dei" 

The year 1836 was prolific of events in St. Louis. A new hotel was 
completed, a new church was erected, a city directory was published by 
Charles Keemle, and the first corner-stone of the St. Louis Theatre was 
laid on the afternoon of May 24tli on the corner of Third and Olive 
streets, and on the site now occupied by the custom-house, and when 
it was completed and the scenery all arranged for dramatic performances, 
there was quite a furore among all classes of people to see the first per- 
formance on its boards.f 

In August an exciting election took place in the city. It was an 
election for governor, and the candidates for executive office of Missouri 
were General AVilliam H. Ashley and Silburn W. Boggs. The last named 
gentleman, who belonged to the Jackson party, was elected, and James 
Brotherton was elected sheriff'. The Central Fire Company of the City 
of St. Louis was also incorporated near the close of the year. 

* Tlie place where tlie neg:ro was burned is what is now known as Tenth and 
Market streets. It was then a common of gutters. 

\ The theatre was called the St. Louis Theatre, and was finely finished in all its 
details. It was reared at a cost of $60,000, and built after a design by L. M. Clarke. 

The lot on which it stood, 60 feet front and 160 deep, was purchased in 1837 for the 
trifling sum of $3,000. This price was tlien considered enormous. It was reared 
through the exertions of N. M. Ludlow, E. H. Beebe, H. S. Cox, Jos. E. Laveille, 
C. Keemle, and L. M. Clarke. These gentlemen used the most untiring exertions to 
get the requisite amount of stock taken for its erection. 

The expense of keeping such a theatre in a style corresponding to its first debut, 
proved too much for the limited number of inhabitants at that time, and directly the 
novelty wore off for want of proper support, drew out a languishing existence until pur- 
chased by the government. It was rather in advance of the ability and taste of the city. 



358 THE GREAT WEST 



CHAPTER VI. 

St. Louis in 1837. — Act to incorporate tbe Bank of the State of Missouri. — Its com- 
jpissioners. — Its first directors. — The Bar vs. the Bench. — Daniel Webster and family- 
visit St. Louis. — Their reception.— Speech of Webster. — The great financial crisis 
of iSoT. — Suspen.sion of the Bank of the State of Mi.s.souri. — Ruin of bu.sincss. — 
Death of David Barton. — ilurder of Thomas M. Dougherty. — Whig Vigilance Com- 
mittee. — Death of General William Clark. — Kemper College built. — Meeting of the 
principal mechanics. — Establishment of a Criminal Court. — Building of Christ Church. 
— Incorporation of the St. Louis Hotel Company, who built the Planters' Hou.se. — 
Morus Multiraulis fever. — Missouri Silk Company incorporated. — Extent of St. Louis. 
— Incorporation of a Gas-Light Company. — Boundary question between Missouri and 
Iowa. — Difficulty with Illinois concerning removal of a sand bar. — Laying corner- 
stone of an addition to Court-house.— r Bank of the State of Missouri throws out all 
the notes of the bank not paying specie. — Distress in business. — Corner-stone of St. 
Louis College laid. — Proprietor of the Argus beaten — Die.s. — Trial of William P. 
Darues. — .\umber of insurance offices in St. Louis. — Murder, fire, and ar.'son. — The 
discovery of the murderers, their trial, and conviction. — Their attempt to escape. — 
Their execution. — Synopsis of the business statistics of St. Louis. 

1837. — This year commenced propitiously for St. Louis. Most of the 
irierchants had long wished for a bank in the city, and for several years 
had been trying to effect that object, which was steadily opposed by 
many, wlio dreaded the groat influx of paper money which is incidental 
to bank creation, and which, under impi'oper an<l depraved management, 
gives a momentary and intoxicating spirit to business, and then leaves it 
in a prostrate and deranged condition. The act of the incorporation of 
"The Bank of the State of Missouri" was approved on the first day of 
February. 

In the first bill presented to the legislature, the proposed bank was 
titled " The Union Bank of Missouri," which was amended and changed 
before its passage to " The Bank of the State of Missouri." T. L. Price, 
Thomas Miller, Henry Dixon, and M. S. Bolton, were appointed commis- 
sioners to receive subscriptions of stock at Jefferson City ; Hugh Neill, 
Henry Walton, John B. Sarpy, George K. McGunnegle, and John O'Fallon 
at St. Louis; William H. Duncan, Moss Prewitt, Moses LT. Payne, Oliver 
Parker, and Sinclair Kirtley at Columbia ; Felix Valle, Eloe Lecompe, 
Auguste St. Gemmer, and Peter Dufur at St. Genevieve ; James P. Shrop- 
shire, Sidney P. Haynes, Thomas L. Anderson, William Blackey, and 
AVilliam Campbell at Palmyra; James Erickson, John J. Lowery, Hamp- 
ton L. Boone, William L. Ward, junior, and Roland Hughes at Fayette; 
Cornelius Davy, Oliver Caldwell, Samuel D. L. Lucas, Richard Fristoe, and 
W. W. Kavanagh at Independence ; E. M. Samuel, W. J. Moss, J. M. 
Hughes, Greenup Bird, E. Fitzgerald, and Samuel Tillery at Liberty ; 
James M. White, Israel M. Gready, Peter Smith, John C. Reed, and 
Firman Disloge at Potosi ; John Juden, junior, Thomas Johnson, John 
Martin, A. R Brevard, and Walton O. Bannon at Jackson; Jacob Wyon, 
Robert P. Clark, Henry W. Crowther, Charles Johnson, and N. W. Mack 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 3o9 



at Booiieville; and Emanuel Block, David Bailey, G. W. Houston, John 

W. McKoe, and Valentine J. Peers at 

The capital stock of the bank was five millions of dollars, and on the 
evening of the incorporation, at the election for president and directors, 
the following-named gentlemen were chosen; John Smith, of St. Louis' 
president of the parent bank; and its directors were Hugh O'Neill^ 
Samuel S. Rayburn, Edward Walsh, Edward Dolyns, William L. Sublette,' 
and John O'P^illon. Of the branch at Lafayette, J. J. Lowry was ap- 
pointed president, and W. H. Duncan, J. Villey, Wade M. Jackson, and 
James Erickson, directors. The Chouteau House was purchased for its 
accommodation, and it is still at the spot where it was first located— on 
Main near Vine street.* 

N(!arly at the time of the passage of the charter of the Bank of the 
State of Missouri, a bill passed the House for the expulsion of all agencies 
of foreign banking institutions from the state. The Cincinnatf Com- 
mercial Agency had been established some years in St. Louis, and gained 
the perfect confidence, not only of the citizens of St. Louis, but of the gen- 
eral government, which had deputized it its fiscal agent. It had assumed 
the business of the Branch Bank of the United States in St. Louis, and its 
capital had lent new vigor and extent to business which had otherwise 
languished for want of pecuniary support. After the creation of the new 
bank, the general government was bound by a legal provision to do its 
business through it, and the Commercial Agency, after a little disquietude 
and murmuring at the interference of the'swimming profits it had been 
garnering during the past years, when it had control of the funds of the 
general government, and the money-market of St. Louis, agreed to transfer 
the debts of the citizens of St. Louis to the Bank of the State of Missouri 
upon rather stringent conditions, which were at first refused, and, after a 
httle modification of the terms, finally accepted, and the Bank of the 
State of Missouri, with its large capital, became the chief fountain 
source of business prosperity .f 

It was blessed in its birth by being born in the favor and confidence 
of the people, and did much in imposing a check upon the rapacity 
of many of the money-brokers, who, taking advantage of a deranged 
currency, did all they could to bring into disrepute the foreign bills 
which alone were in circulation, and then shaved them at ruinous dis- 
counts. Its notes were looked upon with the same confidence as if they 
had been the genuine coin which they represented. 

Nearly at the time of the passage of the act to incorporate the Bank 
of the State of Missouri was a rupture between the bench and the bar of 
the judicial circuit court held in St. Louis. The Honorable Luke E. 
Lawless was the presiding judge— the same who was imprisoned by 
Judge Peck on a former occasion for contempt of court, and at the 
same time suspended from practice in the court over which he adminis- 
tered. 



teau 



* This was not the "Old Chouteau Mansion," but a liouse owned by Pierre Chou- 



f An act of Congress provides that government should make its deposits only in 
state banks, unless none should be in the state; iu that contingency, it could deposit 
m anotiier moneyed institution. 



360 THE GREAT WEST 



A ineetinc^ was held by some of the mcmbeis of the bar, and thej'^ who 
were present were — Henry S. Geycr, Hamilton R. Gamble, Beverly Allen, 
Gustavus A. Bird, John F. Darby, James L. English, Harris L. Sproat, 
Charles F. Lowry, Wilson Primm, Charles D. Drake, Ferdinand W. Risque, 
Alexander Hamilton, William F. Chase, Thomas B. Hudson, John Bent, 
and Sini^leton W. Wilson. Henry S. Geyer was called to the chair, and 
Thomas B. Hudson appointed secretary. The object of the meeting was 
to get an expression of the opinion of the chief members of the bar 
concerning the judicial qualifications of Judge Lawless, and apply to the 
governor of the state, through a series of resolutions, to prevent his re- 
nomination to office. The charges against him were as follows : 

" Whereas, it is feared that the executive of the state will nominate 
to the Senate Luke E. Lawless, Esq., the present judge of the third judi- 
cial circuit, composed of the counties of St. Louis and St. Charles, to be 
judge of said circuit, unless existing valid objections be communicated, 
and we, members of the bar of St. Louis, believing that valid objections 
do exist, see proper, and deem it our duty, to express the same, and do 
hereby declare our full belief in the truth of the following allegations: 

" L That the said Luke E. Lawless, Esq., is too much under the in- 
fluence of impulse and first impressions, to give to each case submitted 
to his judgment a deliberate consideration. 

" 2. That he is too passionate and impatient while on the bench, to 
admit a calm and full examination of cases. 

" 3. That on the trial of issues of fact before juries, his mind receives 
an early bias, plainly perceivable by the jury, to the prejudice of parties. 

"4. That he invades the rights of juries, by assuming the decision of 
questions of fact exclusively within their province. 

" 5. That his impatience and arbitrariness lead him to interrupt counsel 
unnecessarily, and frequently to preclude argument. 

"6. That he is wanting in punctuality in attending to the duties of the 
office. 

" 7. That he is imperious, overbearing, and disrespectful in his man- 
ner to the members of the bar. 

" 8. That he is indifferent to the faithful recording of the acts of the 
court wherein he is judge. 

" Believing the above allegations to be well founded, therefore, 

" Resolved, That it is our full conviction that Luke E. Lawless, Esq., 
is unfit, by the constitution of his mind, by the intemperance of his 
feelings, by his impatience in the discharge of official duties, by his in- 
vasion of the province of juries, by his want of official punctuality, by 
his deportment to the members of the bar, and by his indifference to 
a careful record of the acts of the court wherein he sits, to hold the 
office of judge of the third judicial circuit of this state." 

The allegations made against Judge Lawless, although they might have 
had some foundation as regarded an impulsive temperament, an imperious 
disposition, and a hauteur of manner which drew a chilling line of de- 
markation between the bench and the bar, and gave to the ermine an air 
of superiority which was disagreeable to the attorneys of the court, still 
were groundless in many particulars. These were infirmities of human 
nature — weaknesses of but little magnitude, and though objectionable, 
were not sufficient to form the basis of disqualification and a public ex- 



AND HEK COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 361 

prcssion of opinions. The other charges all arose principally from a 
difference of political opinion, and the prejudice which the distant bear- 
ing of Judge Lawless would necessarily create. Concerning his com- 
petency and integrity, even envy could not question them. 

The application to the executive failed in its effect. Judge Lawless was 
nominated by Governor Boggs to the Senate, and was again elected to 
his judicial office, which, some years afterward, he voluntarily resigned. 

In the early part of the summer of this year St. Louis was honored by 
a visit from one of the most able and popular statesmen of the Union. 
The worth and fame of Daniel Webster and Henry Clay had given their 
names an ambrosial significance, and they were regarded with an affection 
bordering upon adoration. It was thought that both would visit the city 
at the same time. 

When it became known that these distinguished statesmen designed 
visiting St. Louis, the principal inhabitants of the city convened for the 
purpose of making proper arrangements for the reception of the distin- 
guished guests. The Honorable Robert Walsh was called to the chair, 
and resolutions adopted, so that due honors should be paid the distin- 
guished statesmen. 

Agreeably to the resolutions of the meeting, when it became known 
that Mr. Webster was on board the Robert Morris, and approaching the 
city, the committee embarked on boanl the H. L. Kenney, and proceeded 
to meet him. A little below Jefferson Barracks, the Kenney came along- 
side of the Robert Morris, and the committee was put on board. Im- 
mediately the boat Was seen with her streaming banner, the national flag 
was displayed from the court-house, and from the town-house, and on the 
steamboats could be seen the star-spangled banner in all the variety of 
size, shape, and value. 

Some days before, the people had been led to expect that Mr. Clay 
would accompany Mr. Webster, and had expressed some disappointment 
when it became known that the pressure of public business compelled him 
to decline visiting Missouri at this time; but when they saw the great 
" Expounder of the Constitution," accompanied by his wife and daughter, 
land at the Market street wharf, there was but one wish among the thou- 
sands of spectators who were present — to give an applauding and becom- 
ing welcome to the august guests who had come among them. 

Before landing, that Mr. Webster might form a proper estimate of the 
magnitude of the town and the business that was done on its levee, the 
Robert Morris pHed some distance up the river, and then returned. The 
spectacle was interesting to the great statesman. St. Louis had already 
commenced giving significant signs of her future greatness. There was 
a mile's length of steamers, some receiving and others discharging their 
freight. The levee was crowded with barrels, boxes, and produce ; drays 
and carts by the legion loading and unloading ; and every thing wearing 
the appearance of thrift and business. 

After Mr. Webster and his family landed, they were conducted to the 
National Hotel, situated on the corner of Third and Market streets, where 
a suit of rooms had been prepared for their accommodation. They re- 
mained several days, and were waited upon by the most respectable 
citizens. 

So as still further to manifest their regard, the citizens had made prep- 



362 THE GREAT WEST 



arations to give a public festival in honor of their distinguished guests. 
The festival was in the true liberality of Western style. It was summer, 
and, that all could have a sight of the- great patriot and statesman, a 
grove on the land of Judge Lucas, situated west of Ninth street, was 
selected as the spot for the barbecue, as the festival was termed. General 
William H. Ashley presided, assisted by the vice-presidents, Messrs. 
Richard Graham, William Carr Lane, John B, Sarpy, John Perry, James 
Clemens, junior, and James Russell. 

A large number of citizens were marshalled in procession by Charles 
Keemie, Esq., mai'shal of the day, assisted by a large number of deputy 
marshals, and a splendid band of music, who escorted Mr. Webster to the 
grove. 

There were some six thousand persons altogether at the grove, a great 
many of them being strangers from the country and the adjoining states. 
A sumptuous dinner, plentifully supplied with choice liquors, soon put the 
whole company on the most sociable footing, and speeches and compli- 
mentary toasts were made and drank with all the zest of happy feeling 
and festive enjoyment. 

A speech was expected from the groat orator, nor was the great mass 
of people disappointed. Mr. Webster made a speech of more than an 
hour's duration. It was rather a political speech, but delivered with 
that happy and massive eloquence for which he was so remarkable, and 
elicited bursts of applause. The dinner was well gotten up, and all en- 
joyed it. 

The year 1837 is a year remarkable in financial annals. The few 
previous years had borne the impress of apparent prosperity. There 
was a general confidence throughout the Union, and, as has always been 
the case, the banks issued their paper with profusion. Then the fever of 
speculation commenced to rage throughout the Union, property and 
products increased in value, and there was universal prosperity. It was 
of short duration. One bank in the east failed, and that was the first 
speck in the business horizon. The failure of that bank spread abi-oaci 
throughout the land, and public confidence became alarmed. Something 
like suspicion became attached to the paper purporting to represent specie, 
and it commenced to return to the institutions fro(n whence it emanated. 
The specie began to be drained from the vaults of the banks, and soon 
another, and then another of those institutions closed. The panic then 
became universal, and the moneyed institutions became besieged by the 
holders of the bills, demanding their redemption in specie. The banks 
failed rapidly one after another, and there would have been a general 
rupture, but that the leading banks in the city of New York, to save 
themselves from ruin, suspended specie payment, which convenient shift, 
though in direct violation of their charters, was followed by all the banks 
in the Union. The Bank of the State of Missouri also suspended. 

It was a year of terror, ruin, and desolation, caused by a financial 
tempest, which swept from one end of the Union to the other. Contracts 
which had been entered into in good faith, notes, due-bills, bonds, mort- 
gages, from the ruin of so many banks, and the curtailment in the issue 
of the others, became impossible to be met, and all the business channels 
which depended upon their successful termination became disordered and 
languishing. Business firms by the hundred tottered, and were wiped 




SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 
Corner of 5th and Walnut Streets.-REv. James H. Brooke, Pastor. 




CHRIST CHURCH.-REV. Montgomert Schuy.ek. Rector. 




CENTENARY METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 
South corner of Pine and 5th Streets. 





OLD RUSSELL MANSION. 
Residence of Thomas Allen, Esq., Decatur Street. 



AND HER COMMEKCIAL METROPOLIS. 3fi3 

from existence ; families who had lived in affluence were reduced to 
penury; and even they whose affairs had been conducted with the ut- 
most prudence and foresight, were shaken, and suffered by the storm, 
St. Louis gave evidences of the shock. Many of the leading firms of the 
city were prostrated, and business, which in a few weeks before was 
gliding in a thousand channels, was checked with fearful suddenness, and 
almost exsiccated. Having gotten in most of their circulations, after some 
months of careful preparation, the banks commenced to resume specie 
payment, and for a few years conducted their business with a worthy 
caution, which soon inspired general confidence, and then again, tempted 
by cupidity, they flooded the country with their paper, and some years 
afterward they were compelled to resort to their disgraceful shift of sus- 
pending specie payment. When this crisis took place we will hereafter 
explain. 

On September 26th of this year David Barton, Esq., who was in con- 
junction with Thomas II. Benton, the first United States senators from 
Missouri when she was admitted into the Union as a state, died at the 
residence of Mr. Gibson, near Booneville. He was an eminent lawyer and 
statesman. He presided over the convention which formed the constitu- 
tion of Missouri ; was twice elected United States Senator, and served in 
the State Senate of Missouri during 1834-5, where he efficiently aided in 
the compilation of the Revised Statutes, which was ordered at that time. 
He was a man of undoubted integrity, distinguished for his learning and 
profound legal acquirements, and owed his eminence wholly to his own 
efforts. 

1838. — In the summer of this year there was a mysterious murder 
committed on the road between St. Louis and Carondelet. Thomas. M. 
Dougherty, one of" the judges of the county, accompanied by Mr. Linton 
Sappington, was coming to St. Louis, when the latter stopped at thegrocery 
store of Mr. Bussel, immediately upon the road. When, in departing, as 
he was in the act of mounting his horse, a black boy came up and told 
him that Judge Dougherty was awaiting him. Mr. Sappington rode on- 
ward, and at about a quarter of a mile from the store he discovered his 
companion weltering in his blood at a little distance from the roadside. 
He was breathing heavily, and died before he could be removed to any 
habitation. There was much excitement regarding the murder, and 
though a thousand dollars were off"ered by his friends for the discovery 
and conviction of the murderer, it was never found out who committed 
the atrocious deed. 

This year party feeling was as rampant as ever. The issue made be- 
tween the Whig and Democratic party was the sub-treasury scheme, and 
the United States Bank. The Whig party were advocates of the latter 
institution, and the Democratic party of the former. There was also an 
association formed, who were designated " The Whig Vigilance Com- 
mittee," who were extremely active in all primary meetings, and who, 
like scouts, were ever on the look-out for their political enemies, and 
ready to apprise of danger. The following were "the braves" of the 
party who enrolled themselves a "Vigilance Committee": — Samuel 
Gaty, E. T. Christy, John Goodfellow, J, A. Sire, George Sproule, L. A. 
Cerre, John Lee, I. A. Letcher, John Calvert, Asa Wilgus, William 
G. Pettus, Stuart Matthews, O. Paddock, Bernard Pratte, John R. Shaw, 
16 



364 THE GREAT WEST 



August Kerr, A. Gamble, H. N. Davis, J. T. Sweringen, B. Clcland, C. 
Rhodes, C. P. Billon, William Whitehill, Edward Brooks, George Morton, 
John Finney, John Leach, S. M. Strother, Charles Collins, John Barclay, 
J. B. Sarpy, J. S. Pease, J. IT. McMillen, D. Tilden, George Corvvin, D. B. 
Hill, William Martin, J. B. Lesperance, James F. Comstock, L. Dumaine, 
N. E. Janney, William A. Lynch, A. G. Edwards, T. H. West, Edward H. 
Beebe, Benjamin Ames, T. S. Wilson, George Trask, John Barnes, John 
Simonds, jr., Henry Maxwell, William Morrison, Alfred Tracy, Dennis 
Marks, John Ford, J. W. Paulding, P. A. Berthold, C. D. Burrus, M. 
Stitz, William Hayward, Jotham Bigelow, L. B. Shaw, J. B. Girard, J. J. 
Anderson, Lewis Bissel, M. L. Clark, W. S. Randolph, Noali Ridgely, 
Lewis Clark, George Knapp, Hiram McKee, Edward Chouteau, L. Far- 
well, William Risley, Dalzell Smith, J. Christy, John Young, John Bing- 
ham, H. A. Carstens, H. Papin, George W. Lewis, John P, ^lorris, Samuel 
Daniels, Jonas Moore, Henry Phillips, P. Bartlett, John D. Dagget, Conrad 
Foulk, Richard B. Dallam, John Lux, Lewis Newell, William Andrews, J. 
Pritchett, John McDonald, Robert S. Freeland, N. C. Studley, George H. 
Callender, John Bobb, and D. H. Chapman. 

It was the first day of autumn, and it became hinted that Governor 
William Clark, the great pioneer through the western wilds to the Pacific, 
was dead. He was then the oldest American resident in St. Louis ; he 
was the first governor of the territory of Missouri when it was changed 
from Louisiana Territory to Missouri Territory, and subsequently the 
Superintendent of Indian Aftairs for the Western Division, which office 
be held to his death. He was known to the wild tribes of Indians from 
the Mississippi to the Pacific, and they regarded him with a confidence 
and love which bordered upon idolatry. They even knew his signature, 
and during the stormy excitement of their savage natures, when ready 
for the war-path, either against the United States or some hostile tribe, 
would readily yield to his counsels. He was sixty-eight years of age at 
the time of his death, and had collected a museum of Indian curiosities, 
which was of much interest, and was visited by the distinguished strangers 
who came to the city. His first residence was at the corner of Vine and 
Main streets, and afterward on the corner of Pine and Main streets. He 
died universally regretted. 

The month after the decease of General Clark, Kemper College, which 
had been built principally through the exertions of Bishop Kemper, of the 
Protestant Episcopal church, was opened under favorable auspices, under 
the superintendence of the Rev. P. R. Minard. The following gentlemen 
were the first trustees of the institution, which, in its university and 
medical departments, has been of so much utility to St. Louis : Right Rev. 
Jackson Kemper, Robert Wash, William P. Clark, J. L. English, Charles 
Jaline, Rev. P. R. Minard, Colonel J. C. Laveille, Augustus Kerr, N. P. 
Taylor, Edward Tracy, J. P. Doane, W. P. Hunt, H. L. Hott'man, J. Spald- 
ing, Daniel Hough, Henry Von Phul, H. S. Coxe,and Captain J.Symington. 

The medical department was erected soon afterward, and owes its ex- 
istence to Dr. Joseph N. McDowell, one of the most accomplished 
physicians of the age, who is still living.* 

* The first proposition that was made for a Medical organization in St. Louis, was 
made by Drs. J. W. Hall and Joseph McDowell, to Bishop Kemper. 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 365 

The year 1839 was pregnant with prosperity for St. Louis. The lead- 
ing mechanics of the city, so that there might be a unity to their 
efforts, and that they might properly co-operate together, called a meetino- 
for the purpose of forming a Mechanics' Exchange, where they coujd meet 
in counsel. At this meeting Captain David H. Hill presided, and Louis 
Dubreuil was appointed secretary. Five gentlemen were chosen to select 
a committee from the different departments of business, one person to 
be selected from each branch, and they to draft a constitution, by-laws, 
«kc. The five gentlemen who received the appointment were, R. N. Moore, 
.J. M, Paulding, Asa Wilgus, William A. Lynch, and John H. Ferguson. 
These gentlemen, after consultation, submitted the following names : — 
Joseph C. Laveille, carpenter ; Daniel D. Page, baker ; Asa Wilgus, 
painter ; Isaac Chadwick, plasterer ; Samuel Gaty, founder ; Thomas 
Andrews, coppersmith ; George Trask, cabinet-maker; John M. Paulding, 
hatter; James Barry, chandler; James Love, blacksmith; Joseph Laiden, 
chairmaker; Wooster Goodyear, cordwainer; William Shipp, silversmith; 
John Young, saddler ; B. Townsend, wire and sieve manufacturer ; J.Todd, 
burr millstone manufacturer; Thomas Gam bal, cooper ; Francis Raborg, 
tanner; S. C. Coleman, turner; N. Paschal, printer; John G. Shelton, 
tailor; B. L. Turnbull, bookbinder; Charles Coates, stonecutter; Anthony 
Bennett, stone-mason ; David Shepard, bricklayer ; L A. Letcher, brick 
maker ; William Thomas, shipbuilder ; Samuel Hawkins, gunsmith ; 
Samuel Shawk, locksmith ; A. Oakford, combmaker ; N. Tieriian, wheel- 
wright ; J. B. Gerard, carriage-maker ; Moses Stout, plane-maker ; James 
Robinson, upholsterer; and J. Bemis, machinist. 

From this meeting resulted a union of the mechanics, and ultimately 
the formation of their Exchange. 

Early in the year the legislature established the Criminal Court in the 
city, Christ Church was built and dedicated, and an act applied for the 
incorporation of a Savings Institution, Tlie bill to incorporate the St. 
Louis Hotel Company was also passed, and afterward an act supplement- 
ary was made, changing the name to the Planters' House and Insurance 
Company of St. Louis. The company were vested with very extensive 
powers, and possessed all of the prerogatives now vested in fire, life, and 
marine insurance companies; however, they never exercised these preroor- 
atives, and confined themseves, in their corporate capacity, strictly to 
building the hotel. 

The years 18.38-9 were years in which the moi-us multicaulis fever 
raged throughout the Union, and the contagion spread to the west bank 
of the Mississippi. The theory was a beautiful one. One acre planted in 
mulberry-tree would feed worms sufficient to produce thousands of dollars 
of silk — wealth could not be garnered sooner from a Potosi's mine. 

With such dazzling prospects of wealth, the agriculturists in the neigh- 
borhood of St. Louis, and throughout the contiguous counties, to the 
almost total neglect of their usual crops, commenced raising, in the great- 
est abundance, that tree so associated with classic reminiscences — the 
tragic love of Pyramus and Thisbe. Won by the easy way and novel 
idea of realizing a fortune, the fair sex took the matter in hand, and by 
their colloquial speculations, contributed still more to swell the current of 
public opinion in the direction in which it already flowed. At this junc- 
ture, a bill was presented to the legislature of the state for the incorpora- 



366 THE GRKAT "WEST 



tioii of :i silk company, to be established in St. Louis, and the Missouri 
Silk Company was quickly incorporated. 

Storms do not long brew over the face of nature, and a nation's mono- 
mania is ot" but short continuance. The rnorus multicaiilis was a delusion ; 
and when this apparition of wealth became manifest, and its nothingness 
apparent, thousands who had been pursuing a shadow were ruined in their 
fortunes. The visions of home-made silk, that would rival in beauty that 
of Chma and France, all departed, and the Missouri Silk Company that 
had been incorporated by the legislature quietly died without entering 
upon any practical duties of life. 

The extent of the city of St. Louis at this time (1839) was not com- 
parable to what it is at the present time. Then the city proper only ex- 
tended westward as far as Seventh street. Beyond that line there were 
some scattering residences, gutters, and prairie. In the neighborhood of 
Washington avenue, there was, west of the boundary of Seventh street 
for a little distance around, more buildings than in any other quarter in 
that direction, as the St. Louis College was situated in that neighborhood; 
but in Chesnnt and Market streets, and all South B were gutters 
and ponds — and then broken ridges and prairie beyond Seventh street 
to the west. To the north the city extended to Middle street, and to the 
south, just below the Convent of the Sacred Heart. Outside of these 
limits, north and south, the residences were scattering, and the population 
inconsiderable. The population of the city was 16,187. 

Tlie inhabitants of St. Louis possessed always a large amount of enter- 
prise, and a portion of its spirited citizens applied to the legislature for 
the incorporation of a gas-light company. A charter was obtained 
without any difficulty, and the new company first opened their office on 
Chesnut street, two doors above Main street. The following gentlemen 
were its first directors : Theodore L. McGill, M. L. Clark, R. S. Tilden, 
P. R. McCrary, N. E. Janney, H, B. Shaw, J. D. Daggett, and N. Paschal. 
It was many years afterward, however, before St. Louis was lighted with 

gas- . . 

It was in this year that the mayor's court was instituted, and in this 
year also arose the controversy between the state of Missouri and the 
territory of Iowa concerning the boundary between them. It was a 
question which could have easily been deferred for a few months without 
any public agitation, until Congress should determine the proper boundary, 
as the whole matter was then before them for a decision ; but the polit- 
ical demagogues of the day, ever on the alert to arouse popular feeling, 
and become leaders in some factional enterprise, seized an opportunity to 
embroil the authorities of the state and territory. Some person was ar- 
rested on the soil claimed by Missouri by a process issued from a court 
in Iowa, and then came the clash of jurisdiction. Tlie governor of Iowa 
issued a belligerent message, which was followed by one from the governor 
of Missouri, calling upon all the civil officers of the state to maintain the 
jurisdiction to the territory claimed by Missouri. 

The inhabitants of St. Louis were much excited upon the occasion, 
and were unwilling, let the consequences be what they might, to relin- 
quish to the claim of Iowa one acre of the territory which they knew 
belonged to Missouri. 

The constitution of Missouri called for the northern boundary at the 



AND HER COMMKKCIAL METKOPOLIS. 367 

Des Moines Rapids, at the Big Bend of the Des Moines river. Iowa con- 
tended that the rapids alluded to were further south in the Mississippi, 
which were sometimes called the Des Moines Rapids. There was no 
collision, however, and when the line was established by Congress, the 
decision was in favor of Missouri. 

Just at the time that the difficulty was subsisting between Missouri and 
Iowa, the popular mind in St. Louis became still further excited by one 
of the courts in Illinois laying an injunction on the works that were pro- 
gressing for the improvement of the harbor. 

In a previous portion of this work, it may be remembered, we alluded 
to the fact of a sand-bar having been formed in the Mississippi, in front 
of the town, which had commenced to impede navigation, and had excited 
the fears of the inhabitants by its constant increase. A large appropria- 
tion of $115,000 had been made by Congress so that means could be 
taken to tlirow the channel of the Mississippi closer to the western shore. 
To effect this, a large dyke had to be constructed, a portion of which had 
to rest upon the Illinois shore, and thinking that the interest of a con- 
templated town just laid out would be affected in some manner, the 
proprietors applied for an injunction to one of the state courts of Illinois, 
and obtained it. The work, which was then under the efficient manage- 
ment of iNJajor Lee, was suspended, greatly to the chagrin of the people 
of St. Louis. 

By order of the County Court, it was resolved that a considerable 
addition should be made to the court-house, which had been built during 
1825-6. The corner-stone of the new addition was laid with much cere- 
mony, and in the presence of a large gathering of the citizens. Beneath 
the stone was placed a sealed glass, containing a parchment roll, on which 
the following was written : 

"The corner-stone of the new court-house of the county of St. Louis, 
state of Missouri, being an addition to that erected A. D. 1825-6, laid on 
the twenty-first day of October, in the year one thousand eight hundred 
and thirty-nine. — Martin Van Buren, president of the United States ; 
Richard M. Johnson, vice-president of the United States; Lilburn W. 
Boggs, governor of Missouri ; Franklin Cannon, lieutenant-governor ; 
Matthias McGirk, present judge of the Supreme Court ; George Tompkins, 
associate judge of same; William B. Napton, associate judge of same; 
Luke E. Lawless, judge of St. Louis Circuit Court ; John Ruland, clerk 
and recorder of same ; James B. Bowlin, judge of St. Louis Criminal 
Court; Julius D. Johnson, clerk of the same; Mary Philip Leduc, Henry 
Walton, and Joseph Le Blond, justices of the County Court ; Henry 
Chouteau, clerk of same ; Marshal Brotherton, sheriff of St. Louis county ; 
John Bent, circuit attorney ; Henry Singleton, architect : Joseph Foster, 
builder; William Carr Lane, mayor of the city of St. Louis; Elliott Lee, 
marshal of same. A specimen of all the coins of the United States ; a 
copy of all the newspapers printed in the city ; and copies of the pro- 
grammes of the proceedings of the day." 

From its first institution, banking appeared to have been a source of 
disquietude to the people of St. Louis. In 1839, the banks in most of 
the states of the Union had again suspended specie payment, and the 
directors of the Bank of Missouri very wisely and justly adopted a reso- 
lution " that the bank will, in future, receive from, and pay only to, in- 



368 THE GREAT WEST 



dividuals her own notes and specie, on the notes of specie-paying banks." 
When this resolution became known, the excitement in the mercantile 
community was immense. The notes of the banks of the otlier states 
formed principally the currency of the state, and by this act of tiie 
Bank of the State of Missouri, all the notes of banks which had suspended 
specie payment lost their character as representing funds for the payment 
even of existing contracts. There had been a drain of specie from the 
East, and the issues of the Bank of the State of Missouii, and of other 
specie-paying banks, together with the specie available in the financinl 
market, did not furnish one tithe of the money required for the payment 
of daily-maturing obligations. The merchants were in a most distressing 
situation. They had a commercial honor to preserve, and to do this, it 
was incumbent upon them that their notes should not go to protest; and 
there was not suffi(;ient specie and baidvabie funds in circulation to re- 
deem their paper. In this crisis, a meeting was called so as to adopt the 
most feasible measures to relieve tliem of their ditliculties. A proposi- 
tion was made to Mr. John Smith, president of the bank, that the collec- 
tion paper discounted by the bank up to that time should be paid in the 
same description of funds heretofore received by the bank, and that the 
business paper discounted by the bank up to that time should, as far as 
possible, be placed on the footing of accommodation paper, the curtail- 
ment and discount being paid in specie or the notes of specie-paying 
banks. 

The president promised to confer with the board of directors, and 
after the due deliberation of that body, there was an objection to the 
proposition, on the ground that there would be necessarily some depre- 
ciation of the funds, which loss the bank was unwilling to sustain. So 
great was the emergency at this particular juncture in financial affairs, 
that this objection was met on the part of the most wealthy of the 
citizens, by an offer to legally bind themselves to indemnify the bank 
a<»"ainst any loss they might sustain by a depreciation of the notes of the 
banks heretofore received. The gentlemen who obligated themselves to 
be thus responsible were Mr. Collier, E. Tra(;y, Pierre Chouteau, John 
Walsh, William Glascow, John Ferry, II. Von Phul, John Kerr, 0. K. 
McGunnegle, Jos. C. Laveille, and John O'Fallon. There was a consulta- 
tion had by the directors of the bank regarding that proposition, and it 
■was determined that the bank should adhere to their original resolution. 

The business part of the community had calculated that the bank, thus 
insured against loss, would consent to the proposition made it, and when 
the refusal was made known, an indignation-meeting was called, strongly 
condemning the conduct of the baid<, and resolutions passed to with- 
draw deposits, and patronize some other institutions. Many of the large 
depositors consequently withdrew their funds, and deposited them in the 
insurance offices, and with the Gas-Light Company, who, at that time, did 
a partial banking business. 

The bank, thus deprived of the support of its most wealthy and in- 
fluential patrons, still pursued the cautious policy it had adopted, and 
by thus severing itself fronj tottering moneyed institutions, and refusing 
their notes, eventually saved itself from being linked with their fall, which 
took place in a short time, and vindicated the wisdom and farsightedness 
of the position which the directors of the bank had assumed. 



AND HER COMMEKCIAL METEOPOLIS. 369 

As it will be of interest to the reader, we here give the number of ar- 
rivals and departures of steamboats for each month of the year 1839 : 

Arrivals. Departures. 

January - 47 44 

February 49 57 

March.". 659 145 

April 210 210 

May - 191 194 

June 190 183 

July 178 173 

August 119 177 

September 142 142 

October 138 150 

November 96 96 

December 76 74 

Total 2,095 1,645 

1840. — In the spring of this year, the Catholic church, which is at- 
tached to the St. Louis University, and called the College, was com- 
menced. The corner-stone was laid on a Sabbath afternoon, with all the 
ceremonial observances of the church, «nd in the presence of an interest- 
ed multitude. There was a parchment deposited in the stone, on which 
was the following inscription : 

l^ridie Idus Aprilis, 

Anno reparatui salutis MDCCCXL, 

Americanae Independentia) assert* et vindicatse 

LXIV, 

Gregorio XVI Pontitice Maximo, 

Martino Van Buren Fojderataj Americaj Prseside, 

Admodum Kev. Patrc Joanne Roothaan Proposito 

(.'enerali Societatis Jesu 

Lilburn W, Boggs Missouri Gubernatore, 

Gulielmo Carr Lane IJrbis Sancti Ludovici Profecto, 

Kev, Patre P. J. Verhaegen Vice-Provincia3 

Missouriantc Societatis Jesu Vice-Provinciali, 

Rev. Patre J. A. Elet Sancti Ludovici Universitatis 

Rectore, 

Reverendissimus D. Joseph Rosati Episcopus Sti. 

Ludovici, Lapidem hunc angularem Ecclesise, 

Deo Opt. Max. 

Sub invocatione 

Sancti Francisci Ilaverii, 

Atque 

Sancti Aloysii 

Studiosaj Invcntuti patroni, 

In Urbe Sancti Ludovici a3diticand8e 

Assistentibus Sancti Ludovici Universitatis Rectore, 

Professoribus, Auditoribus ac Alumnis, 

Necnon D'no Georgio Barnett et D'no Stuart Matthews 



370 THE GREAT WEST 



Architectis, 

Ac D'no Carolo Cutts muratoriim Prajfecto, 

Solemni ritu benedixit et in funclaiuentis posuit, 

Coram magna populi 

Frequentia. 

In politics there was a universal enthusiasm pervading the Whig party 
in St. Louis. General Harrison was the nominee of the Whig convention 
for the presidency, and it was fondly hoped that the worship which had 
been paid to General Jackson a few years before, and which still clung to 
his political principles, he having gone into retirement, would be trans- 
ferred to the veteran soldier of Tippecanoe and the Thames ; and the 
predisposition to hero-worship gave that ascendency to the party which 
for years it had strived vaiidy to attain. There was much fueling mani- 
fested at the election for mayor, as it was thought a suitable occasion for 
feeling the political pulse of the people. There were three popular can- 
didates for the responsible municipal office — J. F. Darby, J. J. Purdy, 
and A. Wetmore. J. F. Darby, the Whig candidate, was elected. The 
election for county officers in August was favorable to the same party, 
and the Whig party became generally triumphant. 

It was on the first day of summer that a violent attack was made by 
one citizen upon another, which ultimately resulted in his death. The 
Argus was the Democratic organ, edited by William Gilpin, and owned by 
Andrew J. Davis. An article appeared in its columns, which reiiected. 
somewhat on the persons composing a meeting of which William P. 
Darnes, a respectable citizen, was appointed secretary. There had. 
previously been some political feeling between Mr. Darnes and the Argus, 
and on the occasion of the pungent paragraphs in its columns, which Mr. 
Darnes construed to reflect directly upon him, he indicted a letter to Mr. 
Davis, its proprietor, asking him if certain offensive allusions in his 
columns were intended for him, and in the same letter using contemptuous 
language toward Mr. Gilpin, the editor. The reply of Mr. Davis was 
short, acrimonious, and scornful ; and on the next issue of the Argus, 
Mr. Gilpin, who had been irritated by the humiliating allusions made to 
him in the letter of Darnes, publicly avowed that he alone was respon- 
sible for what appeared in the columns of the Argus, and went even 
beyond the wide range of editorial license in liis abusive attack upon Mr. 
Darnes. The latter determined to hold Mr. Davis, the proprietor of the 
paper, responsible; and had before, in his letter to that gentleman, de- 
clared that it should be his course, if any thing offensive was said of him 
in the columns of the Argus. 

Smarting under the etfects of the galling epithets which had been 
publicly applied to him, Mr. Darnes purchased a small iron cane, and 
attacked Mr. Davis on Third street, close by the National Hotel,* and in 
a few moments brought his opponent to the ground. Mr. Davis was 
carried into the hotel, bleeding profusely from his wounds, which were 
principally in the head, and after his injuries were examined by a 
physician, it was deemed advisable that he should be removed to the 
hospital. 

* The National Hotel was situated on the corner of Third and Market streets. 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 371 

After a consultation between three of the raost respectable physicians, 
it was determined to trephine him. The operation was performed, and. 
small portions of spicula were found upon the brain, showing that the 
vitreous table of the skull was broken, and that there was an urgent ne- 
cessity for the operation. A few days afterward Mr. Davis died. 

The trial of 1 'arnes came off in November, and if the friends of Davis 
were naturally anxious for his prosecution, there were others who used 
every effort to justify liim in the course he had taken, and to shield 
him from the consequences of his act. Able counsel were employed 
both upon the part of the state and the defence. Messrs. Engle and 
Gaiitt were for the prosecution, and Messrs. Geyer, Allen, and Crocket 
for the accused. 

During the trial, the court-room was crowded to its utmost capacity, 
and by a finesse of argument, which is ever remarkable in the legal pro- 
fession, the counsel for the defence contended that it was not certain 
whether Davis died from the effects of the blows of the ,cane, or from 
the surgical operation to which he had been subjected. To support them 
on this ground of their defence, the testimony of Drs. Knox, Wm. Carr 
Lane, and White was introduced during the trial, who thought that there 
were no symptoms requiring the trephine operation, which was at all times 
a dangerous one, and liable to a fatal termination. 

Dr. Beaumont, a surgeon of the United States army, and the most ac- 
complished writer on the gastric juice, performed the operation ; and did 
it with the concurrence of Drs. Sykes and McMartin. Here was truly a 
disagi cement of the doctors — three pro and three con. To enlighten 
the jury in this confliction of testimony produced by the medical ex- 
amination, the lawyers took the matter in hand, and read portions of the 
productions of the great lights of the medical profession ; discoursed 
learnedly of what constituted the symptoms of compression, the locality 
of the dura mater and the 7??a mater, and the danger of spicula remain- 
ing in the brain. The medical authorities were placed upon a Procrustean 
bed, there lopped and here stretched, to suit the views of counsel, until, 
after the stretches of meaning and mutilations, the authors themselves 
would not have known their productions. 

After a tedious trial of two weeks, the case was given to the jury, 
who returned a verdict of guilty of manslaughter in the fourth degree, and 
the accused was fined $5U0. It was a time when the press stood ready 
to assail any character, it mattered not how unexceptionable, and any one 
who had the courage to oppose its political opinions, was certain to re- 
ceive the poisonous shafts of ridicule or abuse. On this account, the 
jury rendered a lighter verdict than they would have done had not these 
causes existed.* 

1841. — This year there were in existence in St. Louis ten insurance 
companies; they were named as follows: Marine Insurance Company, 
St. Louis Insurance Company, Floating-Dock Insurance Company, Citi- 
zens' Insurance Company, Union Insurance Company, Missouri Insurance 
Company, Farmers' and Mechanics' Insurance Company, Perpetual Insur- 

* The fatal termination of the difference, was the result of accident; there was no 
death anticipated or desired. All of the parties, at one time were friendly; and had 
it not been for the disturbing influences of political feeling, would in all probability- 
have preserved the most amicable relatiions. 



372 THE GREAT WEST 



ance Company, Gas- Light Insurance Company, and Mutual Insurance Com- 
pany. Many of tliese companies were engaoed in a partial banking business, 
and at all times, and more especially during the cautious policy of the 
State Bank of Missouri, kept a large portion of money in circulation, which 
kept the currents of business from stagnation, infused vitality, and in 
many instances preserved some departments of trade from total cessation. 

Early on Sunday morning, April 18th, there was an alarm of fire, which 
proceeded from a large stone building located on the corner of Pine and 
Water streets, occupied by Messrs. Simonds and Morrison, the rear of 
which was occupied by Mr. Pettus as a banking-house. The firemen and 
citizens were soon upon the ground, and, forcing open one of the rear 
doors, discovered the body of a young man by the name of Jacob 
Weaver, of exemplary habits, mutilated in a dreadful manner, with pools 
of his warm life-blood around him. The fire had not reached the body, 
and it was evident that a foul murder had been committed, and, as the 
fire proceeded from several distinct parts of the building, it was known 
that with the crime of murder was joined that of arson. 

However intricate the mazes of mystery, when once a clue is obtained, 
a correct conclusion is soon arrived at; and when the body of young 
Weaver was found and recognized, the inquiry was at once set afloat, 
where was his room-mate, Mr. Jesse Baker? He was not to be found, 
and it was almost certain that he, too, was murdered, and his body amid 
the ruins of the destroyed building. On the next day it was discovered, 
on removing the rubbish, all charred and half consumed. Robbery was 
evidently the motive of the murderers, and as the two young men 
were in the way, they did not hesitate to dispatch them ; and then 
thought that all evidence of the crime would be destroyed, if they suc- 
ceeded in successfully firing the building; but Providence, in its just and 
mysterious ways, usually disappoints mischievous calculations, for the pur- 
poses of retribution ; and in this case the body of one of the victims was 
discovered before the flames had reached it. 

The building was entirely consumed, and one or two of the adjoining 
ones were partially burned. Nothing but the untiring exertions of the 
firemen for hours saved the whole row from conflagration. It was dis- 
covci'ed, on examination, that an effort had been made to enter the vault 
of the banking-house of Mr. Pettus, which was unsuccessful. 

Tilings produce like things in nature, and one misfortune is usually the 
parent of another. While Mr. Ansel S. Kemball, first-engineer of the 
Union Fire Company, was actively at work trying to stifle the flames, a 
portion of the wall of the building fell, and crushed him. He died — as 
many noble-hearted of his firemen brethren die — in nobly risking his 
life in the hour of danger, for the protection of the life and property of 
others. This unfortunate occurrence added still more to the excitement 
already so rife among the citizens. The most experienced of the police 
took the matter in hand to ferret out the murderers and incendiaries; 
and still further to stimulate their eflforts, and put the whole country on 
the alert, a reward of five thousand dollars was oflered by the municipal 
authorities. For several days all the efforts of the citizens and police 
were fruitless ; but at length the disclosure was made by a journeyman 
barber by the name of Edward II. Ennis, to a mulatto man, who resided 
in Brooklyn, opposite St. Louis ; and the nmlatto, instigated by cupidity. 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 373 

communicated his information to the officials. Ennis was arrested, and 
then he communicated the following facts: that on a certain Saturday 
night he went to his boarding-honse, kept by a inuhitto woman named 
Leah, situated on Third street, between Market and Walnut; at a late 
hour a negro slave by the name of Madison, came to the house, and, after 
being admitted, declared he had done more murder that night than he 
had ever before, and had not been paid for it. Such language induced 
Ennis to question him further, when he learned that he and three other 
negroes had been engaged in the attempted robbery of Mr. Pettus's 
banking-house. The names of the other negroes were Seward, Warrick, 
and Jjrown. The manner of the murden is best related by giving the 
able cliarge of Judge Bowlin in passing sentence upon the accused, after 
a fair trial. 

THE CHARGE OF JUDGE BOWLIN, 

In passing sentence on the four negroes lately tried and convicted of the 
murders of the 11th April last. 

" Madison, alias Blanchard, Charles Brown, James Seward, alias Se- 
well, and Alfred, alias Alpheus Warrick, you stand convicted of wilful, 
deliberate, and premeditated murder. Have you now, or either of you, 
any thing to say why the sentence of death should not be pronounced 
against you ?" 

The prisoners, with the exception of Madison, who merely said, " Noth- 
ing from me, sir," remaining mute, his honor proceeded — ■ 

"You have all been severally indicted by a grand jury of the county as 
follows : — you, Madison, for the murder of Jesse Baker, and the rest as 
confederates, aiding and abetting in said murder; and you, Charles 
Brown, for the murder of Jacob Weaver, and the rest as confederates, 
aiding and abetting in said murder. Upon which charges, so preferred 
by the grand jury, you have been put separately upon your trials, before 
traverse juries of the county — ^juries selected in each case with great 
caution, that they might be above all suspicion of bias or prejudice 
against you — and where you have been heard by your counsel — counsel 
amongst the ablest of the bar, in your defence. So that it is not a matter 
of form to tell you, that you have each had a fair and impartial trial be- 
fore a jury of your countrymen, who have in their several verdicts, pro- 
nounced each of you guilty of murder in the first degree. You, Madison 
and Brown, as the persons who inflicted the fatal blows; and you, Seward 
and Warrick, as being present aiding and abetting in the several murders. 

"Upon these respective verdicts, it becomes the principal duty of the 
court to pronounce the sentence of the law. But, before doing so, as 
you were separately tried, and neither having heard the particular 
evidence given in the case of the other, it is but proper that there 
should be laid before you a history of the case as derived from the testi- 
mony. 

" In doing this, it is not the object to awaken feelings by a recital of 
the hoi'rid deed, or to bring unnecessarily to your minds painful recol- 
lections of the past ; but it is solely with a view to place the nature of 
your crimes in such characters before you as to banish all hope of mercy 
from your fellow-men, whose laws you have so daringly violated ; and the 
more strongly to rivet your attention to that source alone for consolation 



174 THE GREAT WEST 



where it is never too late to find mercy and forgiveness. The court would 
not be discharging its duty to you with fidelity, in this last solemn act 
between you and it, if it would conceal from your knowledge any tiling of 
your true situation. To leave you buoyed up with a false hope, would 
be to deceive you. Hence it is deemed proper that your crime should 
be placed before you, as it has made its impress upon the minds of men ; 
that every false beacon of earthly hope may be destroyed, and you the 
more solemnly urged to seek for consolation at the throne of Divine 
Mercy. 

"It, then, appears from the testimony in the case, that some three days 
before the ever-memorable nigRt of the 17th of April, you had planned 
your scheme of robbing the storehouse of Messrs. Collier and Pettus. 
At which time, it appears, some compunctious visitings of nature operated 
upon you, and a difterence arose about adding the crime of blood to the 
other contemplated otfence; that the evil demon prevailed, and it was 
finally settled that even blood should not arrest you in the accomplish- 
ment of your crime. The next place you are traced to is at a meeting, 
by appointment, in the dusk of the evening of Saturday, the 17th of 
April, on board the steamer Missouri, under pretence of examining her 
machinery. This was the meeting preparatory to the accomplishment of 
the crime. You left the boat, and stood on Front street, opposite the 
house of Collier and Pettus, awaiting the arrival of the proper hour. That 
at, or about nine o'clock, in the evening, when a person might well have 
felt the most perfect security in his counting-room with open doors, on 
one of the most populous streets in the city, you entered the counting- 
room, that is, you, Madison, first entered, and asked of the young gentle- 
man in charge, Jesse Baker, the validity of a bank-note ; and while, in 
the honesty of his heart, and with that kindness of feeling for which he 
was conspicuous among his fellow-men, he was performing an act of kind- 
ness for you, by examining the note, and he was thus placed oft' his guard, 
you struck the fatal blow that deprived him of life. 

"At this particular point of time, there is some contrariety in the evi- 
dence; but the better opinion is, upon the whole, that the rest of you 
immediately entered, at the signal of the blow. You searched your vic- 
tim for the'keys ; not finding them, you wrapped him in bed-clothes, and 
deposited hini in bed; and then went to work upon the vault, after per- 
haps setting one or two sentinels. That you continued to work upon the 
vault untiTjacob Weaver, the bed-companion of Baker, arrived, which was 
about the hour of eleven o'clock. That he knocked at the door, to 
awaken his friend, little dreaming that he was sleeping the sleep of death ; 
when, it appears, a difficulty arose about who should be his murderer. 
That hoi'rid duty fell upon you, Charles Brown, and the manner of its 
execution was awfully delineated in the appearance of the object. You 
took your station behind the door, the rest concealing themselves, and 
opened it for him ; and as he entered you felled him to the floor, repeat- 
ing the blows until he was dead — depriving of life, in one moment, a 
young man who never harmed you, who was at once the pride and hope 
of his friends, and an ornament to society. 

" It appears, then, that despairing of success in your attempts upon the 
vault, you fire<l the building in five places, and left for your respective 
homes — you, Brown, being the last to leave, after closing the house and 



AND HEK COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS, 375 



throwing away the key — hoping^ doubtless, by this last act to' bury in 
eternal oblivion ail traces of the awfiil tragedy, and leave the world to 
hopeless conjecture as to the fate of its unhappy inmates. In the burn- 
ing, you succeeded but too well : you destroyed the whole property, but 
not in time to conceal the traces of your dreadful crime. 

"During the heart-rending scenes just recounted, the testimony places 
you, Seward and Warrick, in a variety of positions — sometimes in the 
house, in the midst of the tragic scene, and then again on the look-out, 
as sentinels, to avoid surprise. In either situation, the law makes your 
otfence just the same, in depravity and punishment, as though you had 
stricken the fatal blow. And justly so, for had you refused your co- 
operation, or had you made a timely retreat from it, the world might 
have been saved the recital of this awful tragedy, and you the conse- 
quence resulting from it. 

"Shortly after, you all must have left the building — at about midniglit, 
when the city was wrapped in profound repose, and men were dreaming 
in their fancied security — they were started from their beds, with the ter- 
rible cry of fire. The citizens, with their usual alacrity, and with nerves 
braced for a contest with the devouring element, repaired to the soene — 
burst open the doors, and, almost at the peril of their own lives, rushed in, 
and dragged forth the yet warm body of young Weaver, bearing upon it 
undeniable testimonials of the awful crime that had been committed — a 
crime which, for daringness of design and boldness of execution, is almost 
without a parallel in this country. At the awful contemplation of the 
reality before them, men instinctively shrunk with terror from each other. 
They thought of the daring boldness of the crime, and of its perpetrators 
abroad in the land, and an instinctive shudder seized them at the thought 
of their unprotected homes. Suspicion was abroad — and yet ordinary 
perpetrators of crime passed unscathed by its breath. The daiing bold- 
ness of its execution was a shield against suspicion to common offenders. 
Man knew not how to trust his fellow-man. The bonds of society were 
well nigh sundered when, at a fortunate moment for the peace and security 
of persons and property, and the supremacy of the laws, a conscience 
overburdened with a catalogue of crime liad to find vent, from the awful 
goading of nature, by an open betrayal of the secret — a secret which has 
since received a mournful but most undeniable confirmation. 

"Thus, in a moment of ambition for unhallowed gain, you have stricken 
from existence two young men, just entering as it were upon the thresh- 
old of usefulness — in the spring-day of life — in the fulness of hope and 
future expectation — in that period just budding into manhood, when the 
heart beats responsive to the calls of sympathy and humanity; and that, 
without even the plea of passion for an excuse. Their only fault was, 
that in discharge of their duty they stood between you and your unholy 
covetings. By this stroke, you have done a deed which no power on 
earth can repair, no time obliterate. You have in an unhallowed moment 
stricken the bright cup of expectation from the lips of adoring friends, 
and rendered cheerless many an aching heart. No penitence you could 
offer, would repair the wrong; but your fate may be a negative example 
to others, to avoid the path that leads to danger and destruction, 

"The details have been thus minutely recounted, from a solemn con- 
viction that the court owes it to you, to point out your true condition in 



376 THE GREAT WEST 

language not to be mistaken — to obliterate every false hope that might 
flatter and deceive you — to give you a true idea of the character of your 
offence, and the stern demands of public justice; and to urge upon you 
most solemnly to anchor your hopes before the Tribunal which is superior 
to all earthly tribunals, and seek alone for mercy at the Fountain of 
Mercy. 

"You have time left you for penitence and prayer — for preparation for 
the end that awaits you. Not so with the victims of your great crime. 
They were hurried into the presence of their Maker unwarned of their 
impending fate. Crimes like yours cannot go unpunished. 'Lay not the 
flattering unction to your souls' that any hope awaits you this side the 
grave — your days are numbered — your sands of life are almost run. Let 
me, then, urge you to seek for consolation and forgiveness, in the few days 
you have yet to hve, before the throne of Him who holds all our destinies 
in his hands. Let your first acts of penitence be a full and frank confes- 
sion of your crimes. Lay bare your hearts — strip them of all falsehoods 
and guile — keep no black memorial harbored there, if you wish to render 
them acceptable before the God of Truth, Justice, and Mercy. 

"One word, and this court is done. But that one word is the awful 
sentence of the law. It is, that you, Madison, alias Blanchard, Charles 
Brown, Alfred, alias Alpheus Warrick, James Seward, alias Sewell, you 
and each of you, will be returned to the jail whence yon came, there to 
be confined until Friday the ninth day of July, and on that day you will 
be taken hence to the place of execution ; there, between the hours often 
o'clock in the forenoon of that day and four o'clock in the afternoon, to 
be hung by the neck until you are dead. 

" May God grant you that mercy which, by your crime, you have for- 
feited from your fellow-men." 

After sentence of death had been passed, a strict watch was kept upon 
the murderers, and they were heavily ironed; but the love of life will 
frequently put in play subtle schemes, and call into action the most des- 
perate measures. A little knife had come in the possession of one of 
the murderers, and with this they succeeded in cutting their irons, and 
then, on a visit from the jailer, he was knocked down, and the guard, 
consisting of three or four men, were frightened or overpowered by the 
desperate villains, who, after running some distance, were captured by 
the citizens, and led back to the jail, from which they did not emerge 
until their execution, some months afterward. They were executed upon 
the island opposite the lower part of the city, and their confessions being 
published, the incidents of their vicious lives thus spread abroad in the 
community, ministered to morbid tastes, and probably brought young and 
guileless minds into too close an approximation with wicked actions, 
which can scarcely be known without defiling. 

At this time (1841) there were in St. Louis, two foundries; twelve 
stone, grate, tin, and copper manufactories; twenty-seven blacksmiths and 
house-smiths; two white-lead, red-lead and litharge manufactories; one cas- 
tor-oil factory; twenty cabinet and chair factories; two establishments for 
manufacturing linseed-oil; three factories for the making of lead-pipe; 
fifteen tobacco and cigar manufactories; eleven coopers and nine hatters; 
twelve saddle, harness and trunk manufactories ; fifty-eight boot-and-shoe 
shops that manufacture ; six grist-mills; six breweries; a glass-cutting es- 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 377 

tablishment; a Britannia manufactory; a carpet manufactory, and an oil- 
cloth factory. There was also a sugar-refinery; a chemical and fancy- 
soap manufactory ; a pottery and stone-ware manufactory ; an establish- 
ment for cutting and beautifying marble; two tanneries; and several 
manufactories of ploughs and other agricultural implements. 

The city was divided into five wards ; contained three markets ; a 
workhouse ; two colleges — the St. Louis University, a Catholic institution, 
and Kemper College, under the Episcopal charge; and the two medical 
colleges attached to these institutions. There was also a Female Seminary, 
under the charge of the nuns of the Sacred Heart. There was no lacking 
of churches. Within the city were two Catholic churches; two Presby- 
terian, two Methodist, one Baj^tist, one Associate Reformed Presbyterian, 
one Unitarian, one German Lutheran, and two African churches. There 
were also two orphan asylums — one for males, under the charge of the 
Sisters of Charity, and one presided over by an association of Protestant 
ladies. There was the Sisters' Hospital, and several hotels, the largest of 
which was the Planters' House, which had been just completed. The 
building of boats was commenced, and the Floating-Dock was in opera- 
tion. Two boat-yards were also opened during the year, and to Captain 
Chase belongs the honor of starting the first boat-yard in St. Louis. 
Previous to this time, all the boats owned in St. Louis were built at some 
point on the Ohio River. 



378 THE GREAT WEST 



CHAPTER VII. 

Lajnntr of Uie corner-stone of the Centenary Church. — Deatli of General Atkinson. — 
Of Judfce Lucas. — Opening of the Glascow House. — Execution on Duncan's Island. 
— Arrival of Audubon at St. Louis. — Arrival of Richard M. Johnson, of Kentucky. 
— Death of Major John Filcher. — Death of Judge Engle. — Arrival of Macready. — 
His dramatic popularity. — Forrest. — Hackett. — Arrival of Professor Silliman. — Of 
Josiali Quincy, Jr. — Briskness of trade in St. Louis. — Unparalleled rise in the Mis- 
sissippi. — The waters overflow the levee, and fill the first stories of the buildings. — 
Consternation of the inliabitants. — Reports from the Illinois and Missouri rivers. — 
More than five hundred destitute families quartered in tlie citj'. — Pliiiantliropy of the 
citizens. — The three great floods. — Buildings put up in 1844. — Deatii of Colonel 
Sublette. — Constitution revised. — Mercantile Libi-ary. — Deatli of Mrs. Biddle. — Hei 
monument. — Her charities. — Harbor obstructions. — War with Mexico. — Great ex- 
citement. — St. Louis Legion. — Patriotic feeling and actions of the citizens. — Con- 
secration of Odd Fellows' Hall. — Pork-packing. 

1842. — It was on May 10th of tliis year that the corner-stone of the 
Centenary Church, corner of Fifth and Pine streets, where it still stands, 
was laid, in the presence of a large concourse of persons who had as- 
sembled to be present at the important and solemn occasion. A large 
procession was formed at the Methodist church, in Fourth street, which 
was composed of many citizens, officiating clergymen, ladies of the Cen- 
tenary Society, and the Masonic fraternity. Ijishop Roberts, at the 
laying of the stone, offered an appropriate and zealous prayer, and a hymn 
was sung, in which many voices participated. The address was most 
eloquent, and was delivered by the Rev. E. R. Ames. 

On the following month (June), the funeral obsequies of General Henry 
Atkinson were performed by the Rev. Mr. Hedges, the chaplain of Jef- 
ferson Barracks, of which military post the deceased was the superior 
officer. General Atkinson had efficiently served his country during the 
war of 1813 and the Black Hawk war. He gathered military laurels at 
both of these trying periods, and possessing, in addition to his martial 
fame, the civic virtues, he was endeared not only to his brother officers, 
but to a large class of the citizens of St. Louis. 

Five months had scarcely elapsed after the demise of General Atkinson, 
when the bier of Judge John B.C. Lucas was followed to its last resting- 
place by a large concourse of citizens. He was one of the earliest settlers 
of Missouri, when it was the District of Louisiana, having received from 
President Jefferson the appointment of the office of judge of the highest 
court of the newdy-acquired territory. He continued in that high and 
responsible office during the administrations of Messrs. Madison and Mon- 
roe. He also received from Mr. Jefferson the appointment of commissioner 
for the adjustment of land-claims of Upper Louisiana, and continued in 
that office until 1812. He was a man of untiring industry, and studiously 
faithful to the responsible trusts which had been committed to him. 

184.3. — In May a large number of invited guests sat down to dinner in 
the spacious salle cL manger of the Glascow Ilouse, located on the corner 



AND HEK COISIMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 3T9 

of Olive and Second streets. It was on the occasion of the first opening 
of the new hotel, and Messrs. Wiley and Scollay, the enterprising lessees, 
had a dinner prepared that would have satisfied the requirements of 
royalty. It was an occasion of conviviality, and the guests entered with 
spirit upon their undertaking. The smoking viands, exhaling their incense, 
were attacked with hungry vigor, and the wine-cups, sparkling and danc- 
ing with the vitality of the luscious fluid, were pressed to lips that knew 
how to appreciate their contents. Then, as the conversation gradually 
flowed in the warm channels of convivial discourse, and the blood quick- 
ened to and fro from hearts pulsating with the friendly emotions, reserve, 
cold indifference, and worldly policy took flight from the festive scene, 
and left for a brief season hearts and minds undisturbed, and consecrated 
wholly to convivial enjoyment. Each mind poured forth its tribute to 
the occasion. There was droll humor, Attic wit and wisdom, with its 
useful axioms, and shorn of all austerity. 

On the next day, March 3d, what a contrast to the festive scene was 
presented. At an early hour in the morning, there was a small crowd 
collected in the neighborhood of the jail, which rapidly increased, until 
about eleven o'clock the street in that vicinity was almost impassable. 
At that hour, companies of military marched to the jail, and then the 
prison doors were thrown open, and, attended by the officers of the prison 
and a clergyman, a youth of nineteen years, pale and emaciated from long 
confinement, walked with feeble step again under the broad, bright canopy 
of heaven. The name of the youth was Henry Johnson, who had been 
sentenced to death for the murder of Major Floyd, who was a resident of 
St. Louis county. In the dead of night, this gentleman's house was visited 
by five men, who wantonly beat him to death, terrified liis wife almost to 
distraction, and robbed his house of a large sum of money. Two of the 
supposed murderers had been fairly tried, and found guilty, and both 
sentenced to death ; from some informality in the law, the sentence of one 
of them had been staid.* In Johnson's case there was nothing interposed 
to prevent the execution of the law. 

There was an awe pervading even the heterogeneous and immoral mul- 
titude who had assembled to witness the dying struggles of a fellow-being. 
As the military took up the line of march to Duncan's Island, where the 
gallows was erected, one muflSed drum alone emitted a dolorous sound. 

When the procession arrived at the gallows, the young prisoner ascend- 
ed it with a firm step, and cast his wistful eyes upon the city that stood 
with its thousands of buildings on the western bank of the Father of 
Waters. What thoughts were rushing rapidly through the mysterious 
mechanism of mind 'twere vain to say; but his forlorn and lingering 
look indicated that it was a farewell view, and that it was a struggle for 
his youthful spirit to sever itself from the ties of life, which were woven 
of the blooms of an April existence. He was awakened from a longer 
mdulgence in his half-dreamy, half-waking meditations by the marshal 
asking him if he wished to say any thing to the nmltitude. The young 
man then spoke in a voice tremulous at first, but gathering strength as he 
proceeded, swelled at times in full volume, and reverberated with the 

* McLean, one of the supposed murderers, was tried three times, and finally ac- 
quitted. 

17 



380 THE GREAT WEST 



strains of genuine eloquence. He solemnly protested his innocence, and 
a total ignorance of the crime for which he was about to suffer. His 
accents bore the impress of truth, and carried conviction to many minds; 
but the stern mandate of the law must be obeyed, and the marshal pro- 
ceeded to adjust the fatal cord to his neck. For a moment the young 
man gave way to a sensation of weakness, and the warm tears rolled 
copiously down his blanched cheeks. It was but a moment, and the tears 
were staid, his gaze upon the crowd was firm and unwavering, and so 
remained until the cap was drawn over his eyes, and then the spring was 
touched, and the young man's spirit returned to the heavenly source from 
whence it emanated, there to be judged by an unerring Justice, whose 
edicts are palliated by infinite mercy. 

One of the known murderers of Major Floyd, some time afterward, in 
making a confession, declared that Johnson died an innocent man. If such 
should be the case, which is strongly supported by his declaration of in- 
nocence upon the scaffold, it affords another argument in favor of the 
abolition of capital punishment, and is another unfortunate instance of an 
innocent life being oftered as a victim to a barbarous code, which, strange 
to say, civilization and religion in their progressive and merciful changes 
have not as yet nullified. 

The very day of the execution, an individual stopped at the Glascow 
House, and immediatel}' that his name was registered, tliere was almost 
instantaneously a buzz of excitement in the hotel, which gradually spread 
throughout that locality. He upon whom the gaze of all I'csted appeared 
to be unconscious that he was the " observed of all observeis ;" nnd in- 
deed there was nothing in his attire and demeanor that would prompt 
inquiry or excite attention — there was no "glass of fashion or no mould 
of form." On the contrary, the individual was plainly clad, and looked 
much like an honest farmer from the country. He wore the livery of age, 
ibr his hair was thin and blanched ; yet there was freshness in his com- 
plexion, a sparkle in his eye, and an elasticity in his step that showed that 
ills was a "green old age," and that the vital currents had not become 
ciiilled and sluggish in their circulation. It was Audubon, the great 
naturalist, and hence the talisman of that name which was known 
throughout the civilized world, had drawer universal attention to him. 
He was then on a journey from the East to the Yellowstone, in pursuit 
of his favorite science, that he might add new specimens to his rare col- 
lection. In a few days he took passage in one of the boats of the Amer- 
ican Fur Company, and after several months of absence, during which he 
went above the mouth of the Yellowstone, and having enriched, by fur- 
ther discoveries, his department of science, he returned to St. Louis on 
his way home, without being at all worsted by his long travel. 

A few weeks after the departure of Audubon, Colonel Richard M. John- 
son, of Kentucky, visited St. Louis. The old hero beneath whose hand 
Tecumseh fell, could not complain of the want of public attention. Had 
he had any vanity of that kind, it must have been amply gratified. He 
was feasted, toasted, and probably bored, by his officious friends and ad- 
mirers, and, no doubt, departed from St. Louis with the satisfaction of 
knowing that hero-worship was in furore among its inhabitants. 

Early in the summer. Major John Pilcher, one of the oldest citizens 
of St. Louis, died. He was one of the most enterprising inhabitants, 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 381 

and had been extensively engaged in the Indian trade, and identified with 
all the great measures tending to the welfare and advancement of his 
native city. 

] 844. — In February of this year, Judge P. Hill Engle, for some years 
judge of the Court of Common Pleas, died, after a lingering illness. He 
was a man of ability, and so amiable in his conduct of life, that he had 
the good fortune to make no enemies, and to disarm all prejudice. There 
was a universal mourning at his death. 

At this time, so much had the growth of the southern portion of the 
city increased, that the inhabitants resolved to build a place of worship 
for their accommodation ; and the corner-stone of a Catholic church was 
laid with much ceremony in Soulard's Addition. 

In June, the people of St. Louis were thrown into rapturous excitement 
by the arrival of Macready, then in the zenith of his genius, and the 
most finished actor of his time that trod the dramatic boards. He first 
played the character of Macbeth, and invested him with the genuine 
characteristics intended by the great dramatic author. The Scottish hero 
was brave and ambitious, and, according to the spirit of his age, there 
was in his character a leaning to the dark doctrines of superstition. 
Hence the predictions of the "Weird Sisters" were looked upon with 
favor, and when the first prophecy was accomplished by the munificence 
of his sovereign, he began to think how he could assist Fate in its inten- 
tions toward him. Though ambitious and longing to realize the golden 
dreams which possessed him, he shuddered from the commission of any 
direct crime, and when his wife urged him to murder, so as to seize the 
crown, he shuddered with instinctive horror at the shedding of blood ; but 
when his dagger was imbrued with the life-blood of his sovereign, and 
the Rubicon of virtue was passed, there was no more shuddering — he 
went with all of his native boldness for removing by assassination all 
whom he suspected of loyalty to his departed king. The phantoms of 
those he had murdered caused but a momentary horror, and the fierce 
promptings of his nature were not all subdued even during the pres- 
ence of the apparitions. Then his faith, still in the predictions of the 
"Weird Sisters," though shul;^ up in a small castle, believed it to be im- 
pregnable — it could not be taken "till Birnam do come to Dunsinane," 
and when the wood came against his fortress, by that device with which 
every schoolboy is familiar, even then he believed himself safe — he 
hugged still the prophetic delusion that " None of woman born shall harm 
Macduff." At his meeting with Macduff", when the hope of the last proph- 
ecy was dispelled, he gathered all of his terrors around him, and died, 
fighting to the last, as befitting a Scottish hero. Macready in Macbeth is 
Macbeth living and breathing again, or, by the metempsychosis theory, the 
spirit of the departed chieftain had entered the corporal nature of the actor, 
and swayed and directed his movements. The people of St. Louis were 
enraptured by the finished and chaste acting of Macready in Macbeth, 
and his first night before the curtain more than equalled their expectation. 

This was the first visit of the great tragedian to the growing and 
thriving city on the west bank of the Mississippi. He made many friends, 
and added to his fame. When it was announced that he was to play 
Byron's Werner, the jammed house was not more than one-fourth of the 
multitude that was desirous of hearing him in that play, which he has im- 



382 THE GItKAT WICST 



mortalized more than the great bard who created it. Werner witliout 
Macready would never have had a fame. 

Sixteen years have elapsed since that period, and the thirty-fonr thou- 
sand inhabitants have increased six-fold, and the young city has become 
of mammoth proportions; yet there is no theatre reared which corre- 
sponds with the extent, wealth, and wants of the great metropolis. This 
should not be ; for the legitimate classic drama is the most elevating of all 
amusements. It pleases and instructs, and prevents the introducing of 
low and depraved taste in the community. 

After the departure of Macready, Forrest visited St. Louis, and his fine 
acting, so much assisted with his splendid physical efforts, created a 
division in public sentiment as to whom should belong the bay wreath. 
Should it encircle the brow of Macready or Forest? This was the second 
advent of Mr. Forest in St. Louis, and he was followed by the inimitable 
Hackett, then, too, in his palmy days, and his Falstaff became the talk of 
the city. 

In May were assembled at St. Louis, at one time, several of the dis- 
tinguished men of the day — Professor Silliman, who was on a scientific 
visit to Missouri and Illinois, Josiah Quincy, Jr., afterward president of 
Harvard College, and Charles F. Adams, son of Joiin Quincy Adams, ex- 
president of the United States. 

The spring trade had opened most auspiciously for St. Louis. Her 
levee was crowded with boats unloading and receiving all kinds of mer- 
chandise ; country merchants from every western locality had flocked to 
the city, and purchased liberally of the wholesale merchants ; buildings 
were putting up in every direction ; there was a great demand for labor 
at enormous prices; property was increasing in value at an unprecedented 
ratio ; and there was a briskness and vitality in every department of busi- 
ness which had never before been witnessed. 

Nature has its clouds and its sunshine, and the world its seasons of pros- 
perity and misfortune. The prospects of St. Louis received a check and 
a blight which will ever be a marked event in its history. It had been 
prophesied by several old Indians and hunters in the preceding autumn 
that there would be a great rise in the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. 
They had grown wise in the philosophy of observation, and had observed 
that the bears and some other animals made their holes higher by several 
feet in the banks of the river than they had ever done before. Hence 
these seers pronounced that the waters would rise to an extraordinary 
height the coming spring, which the instinct of the animals had led them 
to foresee, and they consequently built their holes at a greater height from 
the water's edge than usual. Late in the spring, there was a considerable 
rise in the rivers, but nothing indicating the height that had been pre- 
dicted. June came, and about the lOtli of the month, rumors reached St. 
Louis that the Illinois and Missouri rivers were rapidly rising, and at many 
points had overflowed their banks. The Mississippi, too, had commenced 
to swell, and was gradually verging toward the curbstones in Front street, 
and was forming small lakes in the American bottom, on the opposite 
shore. On the next day none of the levee was seen, and the Father of 
Waters swept in his angry course the eastern pavement of the city. The 
inhabitants had now become somewhat alarmed, and the merchants, on 
Front street in particular, seemed nervous and anxious, and commenced 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOIJS. "83 

to remove some of their goods from the first floor to the upper stories of 
the building. By the 16th of the month, the curbstones of Front street 
were covered, and the water was running in the lower stories of liattle 
Row and Laurel street. 

In Illinoistown and Brooklyn, the first stories of the houses were sub- 
merged, and the inhabitants took refuge in the upper apartments. Boats 
ran direct from St. Louis to the Pap House, situated a mile from Illinois- 
town, and the American bottom was covered with a sheet of water. 

There was then a universal alarm, and the rise of the Missisippi was the 
theme of every conversation. Many thought that it would rise no higher; 
but those who were in the sunset of life shook their heads ominously and 
said " the worst had not come yet." They spoke the ti'uth. On the 
l7th the sidewalks on Front street were entirely covered in the neighbor- 
hood of Locust street, and above Vine the first stories of the stores com- 
menced to fill. Then a panic spread not only throughout Front street, 
but the merchants even in Main street felt alarmed at the increasing flood, 
which was continually rising and with fearful rapidity. 

At this time the Mississippi presented a grand but awful appearance. 
Its current was turbid, and, as it rushed along, it emitted that howling 
fretful volume of sound peculiar to angry waters. It was filled with drift- 
wood; rails, and stacks of straw and hay were seen hurrying upon its current, 
and carcasses of horses, cattle, sheep, and swine showed the fearful destruc- 
tion it had been making. Now and then, too, fragments of a barn or house 
were borne swiftly to the south, which was evidence that human habitations 
had been encroached upon, and that the inhabitants had either become a 
prey to the angry waters or had been compelled to abandon their homes 
to save their lives. Joined with the evidences of destruction and alarm 
rumor was busy with her thousand tongues in exaggerating every fact, 
increasing the general panic, and making the murky prospects still 
murkier. It was stated that the Missouri was rising at the rate of seven 
feet in twenty-four hours. That the whole country between Weston and 
Glascow was submerged, and that the tops of the highest trees in the bot- 
toms only stuck out like sea-weed in this great sea of waters. That 
houses and barns had been swept away, and in many instances human lives 
had been lost. Whole acres 'of soil had been torn away and melted in 
a moment by the rushing flood. In many instances human beings were 
seen clinging to immense piles of drift, and some of whom were saved by 
the passing boats, but most of them were lost as the fragments of drift 
gave way and left them to the eddying current, which in a moment swal- 
lowed them in its vortex. It was stated also that the Illinois River was 
rising jjari passu with the Missouri, and was higher than was ever known 
before. The town of Naples was said to be so completely inundated that 
boats could ply in the streets, and the inhabitants had entirely forsaken 
it and gone to the bluffs, where they lived in tents. It was reported also that 
Beardstown too was fast being submerged and was deserted, and many of 
the river towns were in the same deplorable condition. 

It is true that many of these reports were swelled much beyond the 
measure of truth, but all the fiction had its foundation in fact. The Mis- 
souri and Illinois rivers had risen each to a height never witnessed before. 
They had overflowed all of the vast bottoms through which they coursed, 
and had in many instances overflowed the streets of the towns that bor- 



384 THE GRKAT WEST 



dered their banks, and swept away stock of every description, some mer- 
chandise, liousohold furniture, and barns and houses; some few lives had 
also been lost. 

The elements which compose human nature frequently develop them- 
selves in strange inconsistencies under certain circumstances. It is stated 
that when the plague raged with its frightful mortality in London, Con- 
stantinople, and other eastern cities, that the inhabitants gave a license to 
all their desires, and endeavored to follow to the utmost the old maxim, 
dum vivimuft, vivamus. Not knowing how soon they might be swept off 
by the awful malady, they endeavored to make the most of the moments 
of life which hung by so precarious a tenure. The places of amusement 
were filled to their utmost capacity, strains of music floated upon the 
wings of the breeze that were laden with the poison of the pest ; and 
the sounds of revelry were heard in the streets and dwellings mingled 
with the groans and shrieks of the dying, and the rattling of the dead- 
carts hurrying the dead bodies to their burial-place. In St. Louis, when 
the report of the vast destruction of property and of human life on the 
Missouri and the Illinois rivers was the universal theme of conversation, 
and was believed, and when the stores all along Front street were filling 
with water, and the flood still rising higher and higher, and when there 
was almost a total suspension of business, and, together with the loss of 
time and profit, it was apparent that business would be crippled materially 
for many months, the theatre was crowded nightly. Forrest was playing 
his series of characters, which he has so happily chosen, and which he 
has perfectly mastered. 

It was the evening of June 18th that he appeared as the Gladiator, a 
character peculiarly adapted to his superb physical excellence. Every 
portion of the theatre was packed, and the immense crowd, many of whom 
were suffering from the presence of the flood upon their property and 
from the suspension of business, and whose prospects were all ominous of 
evil, cheered and cheered the great actor again and again, and seemed, in 
the wild excitement, intent on forgetting that the angry waters of the 
Mississippi were rising higher and liigher, and consequently the desolation 
would become greater and more extensive ; and when the great tragedian 
in the chef-cVoeuvre of his acting as the dying gladiator, in every attitude, 
and in every lineament, in his gasping breath and dying resignation, 
looked as if he might liave been the prototype of that splendid creation 
of Puget's from the chiselled marble, a heartier burst of applause 
never greeted him in any city. However, when the curtain fell and the 
wild excitement was over, a large portion of the audience rushed from the 
theatre towards the levee to sec and hear if the river was still rising. As 
yet there was no relief to mental suffering, for the news obtained from 
those whom they met was, that the river was still rising. ♦ 

On the morning of the 18th the levee was early visited by a number of 
the anxious inhabitants, and their gloom was still increased to witness 
further encroachments on the town by the hiffh-waters. For the greater 
part of the day a large crowd stood in the upper stories of the houses on 
Front street, watching the destructive flood sweeping by, carrying, in its 
resistless course, carcasses of animals, ruins of buildings, and whole trees 
of mammoth proportions, which had been rent from the soil. Nearly all 
of the inhabitants of the American bottom had fled their homes and taken 



AND COMMERCIAL METEOPOLIS. 385 



refuge on the bluffs, where most of tliein were in a state of suffering and 
destitution. There were some, too, who, loth to quit their homes, and 
hoping day by day that the flood would subside, had remained in their 
dwellings until they were so surrounded by the high-water that they could 
not leave them, and were threatened to be swept away momentarily by 
the swollen water. Immediately that their precarious condition was 
known in St. Louis, sympathy was at once enlisted in their behalf, and 
boats went to their rescue, and many families, in this way, were snatched 
from impending fate. 

On the morning of the 19th, the river was found still advancing. Boats 
plied between St. Louis and the bluffs, and when the necessities of the 
sufferers there encamped were fully understood, they received from pri- 
vate charit)' many donations. 

On the 20th, the river still rose, but not with the former rapidity. By 
the report of the city engineer, the flood was three feet four inches above 
the city directrix (the curb-stone on Front street, south side). The news 
was still gloomy. The Kansas River was reported to be still rising, though 
the Missouri was stationary. Some contended that it was the June rise, 
which proceeded from the melting of the snows in the mountains, which 
always swell to a great magnitude the stieams which flow from them. 
Others declared, that if it were the June rise, the water would be of a 
colder temperature. Each steamboat that came from the Missouri and 
Illinois rivers had on board families that had been rescued from their 
homes, which had become surrounded and partially submerged by the 
water. Each of them had the same tale of sorrow — their all teas lost by 
the flood. 

On the morning of the 21st it was fondly hoped that the river would be 
found not so much risen during the night, and at early dawn there was 
many an anxious step that approached the levee, but there was disappoint- 
ment again, the river was still rising. In the southern part of the city 
nearly all the land between Second and Front streets was submerged, and 
all the low portions of ground between Second and Third, and Third and 
Fifth streets, were underwater. Many of the inhabitants of St. Louis took 
oar boats and rowed across the American bottom, which a few weeks be- 
fore had promised a most abundant yield of oats, and on which the corn 
had just commenced its summer growth. They described the rushing of 
the sw^ollen torrent through the forest as terrific ; and the current was 
filled with the remnants of destroyed property. 

On the morning of tlie 22d, friends greeted each other with the same 
dolorous exclamation — the river is rising. So great was the reported dis- 
tress and danger of the inhabitants up the river that General Bernard 
Pratte, the efficient mayor of St. Louis, took the responsibility of sending 
boats to their relief. Many of the inhabitants who had doubtless remained 
in Brooklyn and Venice, thinking daily that the flood would subside, 
were rescued fiom impending fate. The boats found many families five 
or six miles back in the interior living in the upper stories of their isolated 
dwellings, having no means of escape. In one instance, the cattle and 
horses were standing on the most elevated spot up to their flanks merged 
in the water. 

It was truly a time for the sympathies of the truly noble natures to de- 
velop themselves, and it is a bright record to leave to posterity to say that 



38G THE GEE AT WEST 



sympathy was not wanting. The captains of the steamboats were in- 
dent iyable in their exertions to save life and property, and were prodigal 
in then- sacrifice of time and labor to effect their landablo intentions. A 
report was in circulation, that several of the inhabitants of the town of 
Madison, Illinois, were suffering and in danger of being swept off by the 
flood, and immediately Captain W. W. Green, W. J. Austin, and others, 
acting under the influence of generous feelings, determined, if possible, to 
start "instantly to their assistance. Tiiey communicated with Captain 
Edward Saltmarsh of the Monona, and he at once offered to start with his 
boat, without compensation, to assist them in their philanthropic object. 
He was seconded by Captain E. H. Gleim, of the steamboat Sarali Ann, 
who offered a supply of wood for the voyage. More than thirty citizens 
volunteered for the occasion, and several inhabitants were rescued from 
perilous situations. 

So sensible were the citizens who accompanied Captain Saltmarsh, of 
the generous sacrifice wdiich prompted him to put in use his boat, without 
any hope of reward, for the object of relieving suft'ering humanity, that 
they organized a meeting on the Monona, of which Archibald Carr was 
president, and Isaac B. Thomas was secretary; William J. Austin tlien, 
in an appropriate manner, stated the object of the meeting, and it was re- 
solved, that a committee should be selected, wlio would draft resolutions 
suitable to the occasion. The gentlemen forming the committee were, A. 
O. Bowen, W. W. Green, William J. Austin, F. E. Robertson, and James 
McKown. The resolutions were as follow : 

^' Jicsolvcd, That we hereby tender our thanks to Captain Edward Salt- 
marsh, for the generous, humane, and prompt manner in which he has em- 
ployed his boat, the Monona, in efforts to relieve the sufferers by the fiood 
in our sister state of Illinois. 

^' Eenolvcd, That the crew of the Monona on her this day, having vol- 
unteered their services, are worthy American citizens, witii hearts to feel 
and hands to labor for the unfortunate and the suft'ering; and such are 
the men to sail under the stars and stripes of our land. 

'■^Resolved,, That we also express our thanks to Captain E. H. Gleim, of 
the steamboat Sarah Ann, for his generous supply of wood irom his boat, 
for the Monona, and also for his own exertions on board the Monona as 
one of our party. 

" Resolrcd, That the secretary of this meeting present a copy of these 
resolutions to Captain Saltmarsh and Captain Gleim, and also publish the 
same in the city papers." 

In St. Louis there were more than five hundred persons who had been 
driven from their homes by the flood, and nearly all of them were depend- 
ent upon the charity of the citizeiis for their support. It was fortunate 
that it was summer, and that inferior lodgings were no great deprivation. 
Tiie new tobacco warehouse, which had been erected the preceding year 
bv Colonel Brant, was occupied by many of the sufferers, and many barns 
and outhouses on the outskirts of the city w-ere likewise filled. It should 
be borne in mind, that even before the fiood, there were not near dwellings 
sufficient in St. Louis for the demand of the population, and this new ac- 
cession to the number of inhabitants brought every old tenement and 
vacant outhouse into requisition. 

So as properly to attend to the wants of the sufferers, a meeting of the 



AND HEK COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 387 

citizens was held in front of the court-house, and, on motion of A. B. 
Chambers, Bernard Pratte was called to the chair, and Henry B. Belt was 
appointed secretary. It was then resolved that a committee of twenty 
should be appointed to carry out the objects of the meetinij, and the fol- 
lowing gentlemen were appointed for the purpose, viz., John M. Wimer, 
John Sefton, W. Glasgow, John Simoiids, Ferdinand Kennett, T. B. Targe e, 
Asa Wilgus, Rene Paul, A. Gamble, Charles C. AVhittlesey, Dr. Simmons, 
A. B. Chambers, Frederick Kretschmar, W. Furncss, Dr. Adreon, William 
Lowe, T. Polk, W. C. Jevvett, W. R. Dawson, and Henry Singleton. 

The committee, after consultation, recommended that application should 
be made to the city council to appropriate some funds for the relief of the 
sufterers, and that a committee of five should be appointed to solicit sub- 
scriptions in each ward. The suggestions of the committee were acted 
upon, and the following gentlemen were nominated to collect gratuities: 

For 1st ward, Matthias vSteitz, H. G. Soulard, John Dunn, William Horine, 
and John Withnell. For 2d ward, Hiram Shaw, S. M. Sill, J. G. Barry, 
George Morton, and John J. Anderson. For .3d ward, John B. Sarpy, 
J. B, Brua, A. L. Mills, T. B. Targee, and Gibson Corthron. For 4th 
ward, George A. Hyde, Colonel George INIcad, Robert P. Clark, J. B. 
Camden, and Jacob Hawkins. For 5tli ward, N. Aldricli, A. Carr, John 
Leach, John Wliitehill, and J. G. Shands, For Gth ward, Dennis Marks, 
W. P'ield, James Gordon, and T. O. Duncan. There was also a committee 
appointed to distribute among the sufterers the sums collected from pri- 
vate bounty. 

It is proper in this place to state that the necessities of the great num- 
ber who had sought refuge in St Louis, and had been forced by the flood 
to abandon their homes, were relieved with almost unparalleled generosity. 
In their hour of tribulation they also received that balm so grateful to the 
unfortunate, the consolation distilled by noble and generous sympathy. 
Nearly all contributed according to their means, and by little attentions, 
which alone are generated by feeling hearts in visiting the distressed, 
tried to call up again upon their features the warm gleams of hope and 
happiness. 

On the morning of the 22d news came to St. Louis, by the boats, that 
the water in the Upper Missouri was falling, as was also the Illinois, and 
other tributaries of the Mississippi. This was joyful news, but the Missis- 
sippi at St. Louis did not attain its greatest elevation until the 24th about 
noon, when it was seven feet seven inches above the city directrix. It had 
reached the top of the directrix on the 17th of June, and it was on the 
14th of July that the retreating waters again reached its top. 

It becomes a matter connected with this history to state, that previous 
to this time, St. Louis had been visited by three great floods, one in 1785, 
one in 181], and another in 1826. Of these, the one in 1785, known as 
Vannee den grands eaux, was the highest ; but none of them attained the 
elevation of the flood of 1844, of which we have given a minute descrip- 
tion, as it forms an era in the description of the city. 

The number of buildings erected in the city in 1844 was one thousand 
one hundred and forty-six. Even the ruinous consequences of the great 
flood could not arrest the onward progress of St. Louis, or retard, in any 
material degree, its prosperity. 

1845. — This year witnessed the organization of St. George's Church, of 



388 THE GREAT WEST 



the Episcopal persuasion, and the congregation was placed under the 
charge of the Rev. E. C. Hutchinson, a man of great learning, high moral 
wortli, and of meek and exemplary piety. 

In the summer of this year, the news reached St. Louis of the death of 
Colonel AVilliam L. Sublette, who liad died at Pittsburgh on his way to 
Cape May, where he was proceeding to eft'ect the restoration of his health. 
He belonged to one of the ancient families of the place, and was one of 
the companions of General Ashley in his perilous expedition across the 
Rocky Mountains, for the purpose of trading with the Indians, in 1820. 
AVhen General Ashley retired. Colonel Sublette, who was one of his part- 
ners, still continued the trapping business in connection with Mr. Campbell, 
and, employing a great many men in their expeditions, amassed a large 
fortune. In political life he was a Democrat, and, in 1844, was the Polk 
and Dallas elector from his district. His remains were brought on to St. 
Louis and interred in a private cemetery upon his farm on the Man- 
chester road. lie was a man of fine feeling, and his death was much 
regretted. 

It was in August that an election was held in St. Louis for members to 
the convention to revise the constitution, and Miron Leslie and Trustcn 
Polk were the only Democrats elected from St. Louis county for that 
honorable and responsible task, the remaining four being Native American 
candidates. Their names were as follows: — William M. Campbell, Uriel 
"Wright, Frederick Hyatt, and William W. Bassett. AVe here append the 
list of the elected delegates from the state to meet in convention to revise 
the constitution : — Corbin Alexander, of Saint Francois county ; Lisbon 
Applegate, of Chariton ; Jonathan M. Bassett, of Clinton county ; Edwin 
D. Bevitt, of St. Charles county; Jas. O. Broadhead, of Pike county; 
Rowland Brown, of Platte county ; John Buford, of Reynolds county ; 
Samuel II. Bunch, of Polk county ; William Massilon Campbell, of St. 
Louis county; John David Coalter, of St. Charles county; William Mc- 
Daniel Davies, of Usage county ; James Farquar, of Washington county ; 
A. Finch, of L)ade county ; Asbury O. Forshey, of Montgomery county ; 
James M. Fulkerson, of Nodaway county ; Joshua Gentry, of Monroe 
county; Robert Giboney, of Stoddard county; James S. Green, of Lewis 
county ; David M. Hickman, of Boone county ; Thomas Maddin Ilorine, 
seventeenth district; Ezra Hunt, of Pike county; Abraham Hunter, 
nineteenth district and of Scott county ; Frederick Hyatt, of St. Louis 
county; C. F. Jackson, of Howard county; H. Jackson, of Randolph 
county ; B. A. James, of Greene county ; Charles Jones, of P'ranklin county ; 
William Claude Jones, of Newton county ; James L. Jones, of Scotland 
county; Elias Kincheloe, of Shelby county; M. M. Marmaduke, of Saline 
county ; B. F. Massey, of Lawrence county ; John McHenry, of Bates 
county; N. C. Mitchell, of Lafayette county; James William Morrow, of 
Cole county ; Thomas B. Neaves, of Greene county ; Joseph B. Nickel, 
of Andrew county ; William Benjamin Pannell, of Gasconade county ; 
Philip Pipkin, of Jetferson county; Jno. E. Pitt, of Platte county ; David 
Porter, of Wayne county ; William Shields, twenty-sixth district ; M. II. 
Simonds, fifth district; Duke W. Simpson, of Jackson county; William 
Y. Slack, of Livingston county; Robert M. Stewart, of Buchanan county; 
John F. Stone, of Boone county ; Theodore F. Tong, of Madison county; 
Thomson Ward, of Platte county ; Joseph B. Wells, of Warren county ; 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 389 

Hiram Wilcoxsin, of Carroll county; Uriel Wright, of St. Louis county; 
and ]>cnjamin Young, of Calloway county, thirteenth district. This yeai 
also Lucas Market and the City Hospital were commenced. 

1846. — We have before alluded to the formation of a mercantile library 
which first took place when St. Louis was but a good-sized village. For 
some years it existed, such as it was, consisting of a few hundred books 
of a miscellaneous character, contributed by the citizens, and but few of 
them of any intrinsic value. The little town had not physically expanded 
suiScieiitly for mental growth, and in a few years the library died for want 
of public spirit to sustain it. Some years afterward it was again resus- 
citated, and an effort was made by some worthy and enterprising citizens 
to give it a permanent existence. Liberal donations in funds and books 
were given to it, and it promised for a time to answer the sanguine wishes 
of its friends ; but the financial storm which swept over the whole Union 
in 1837 totally ruined the business of many of those who had nurtuix'd it 
in prosperity, and, deprived of their succor, it became so involved in 
pecuniary embarrassments, that the books were levied upon by legal 
process, and would have been sold, had not some noble and generous 
spirits satisfied the demands against it. 

The library then ceased to exist, and the books were piled away until, 
under more fortunate stars, it might again start into existence. 

For many years the necessity of a library where particularly the young 
of both sexes could resort to read, or could find books sufficient to satisfy 
the cravings of inquiring minds, became manifest. The little town had 
now advanced to a great city, and commenced to teem with all the indi- 
cations of wealth and prosperity. Hundreds of boats discharging or re- 
ceiving freights upon the levee showed the extent of the commerce; 
colossal buildings were everywhere being erected, overtopping far the 
older residences, and in every feature there was increasing taste and 
luxury ; schools had become established throughout the city, and a taste 
for mental culture had become predominant. The want of a public library 
was then felt to such a degree that measures were resolved to be taken by 
some of the leading citizens to supply it. 

The citizens who took an active and leading part in the creation of the 
Mercantile Library, which is now one of the boasted institutions of our 
city, should have their name recorded in the history of St. Louis for as- 
sisting in so laudable a project. The following-named gentlemen appear 
to have been most efficient in bringing about an organization to accom- 
plish the resuscitation of the Mercantile Library : — Messrs. Peter Powell, 
R. P. Perry, J. S. McCune, Wayman Crow, A. J3. Chambers, J. E. Yeat- 
man, Luther M. Kennett, John C. Tevis, George K. Budd, James H. 
Lucas, R. K. Woods, F. H. Morgan, Edward Walsh, John Simonds, 
William M. Morrison, Morris Collins, John Leach, Taylor Blow, W. H. 
Belcher, Roberth Barth, John A. Dougherty, Alfred Chadwick, Walter 
Carr, Alexander Peterson, E. Y. Wall^ W. L. Kidd, S. A. Ranlett, N. 
Valle, Junius Hall, John Carson, A. Peterson, J. S. Thomas, I. W. Clark, 
A. Ricketson, J. F. Franklin, and Henry D. Bacon. From the number of 
these gentlemen, the board of officers and directors were chosen, which 
was as follows : — James E. Yeatman, president ; L. M. Kennett, vice- 
president ; S. A. Ranlett, corresponding secretary ; John A. Dougherty, 
recording secretary ; R. K. Woods, treasurer. Directors — Robert Barth, 



390 THE GREAT WEST 



William M. Morrison, John C. Tcvis, Petor Powell, J. F. Franklin, G. K. 
Budd, and A. Peterson. 

Whoever has walked in the vicinity of Tenth and Biddle streets may 
have observed a monument in an open space, on which is this simple in- 
scription : " Pray for the souls of Thomas and Ann Biddle." Some little 
items connected with this monument will be of interest to the reader, 
and are intimately blended with some important features of our history. 

On the loth of January, 1846, it became rumored in tiie city that Mrs. 
Aun Biddle was dead. Her great wealth, her high social position, and, 
withal, lier well-known charities and benevolence, had made her name 
familiar with all classes of society, and her death served to create inquiry 
and remark. She was the daughter of John MuUanphy, of immense 
wealth, at whose instigation the Sisters of Charity, four in number, first 
visited St. Louis, lie purchased the land on which is situated the Con- 
vent of the Sacred Heart, and established and endowed the male depart- 
ment of the MuUanphy Orphan Asylum. She was also the consort of 
Major Thomas Biddle, whose untimely and unfortunate death in a duel 
we have before alluded to. 

Mrs. Biddle, after the death of her husband, established the Female 
Orphan Asylum, and even gave up her fine residence on Broadway as an 
occupancy, and entirely supported it during the two years previous to her 
demise. Her charities did not cease at her dissolution; for in her will she 
left an appropriation for a widows' asylum, and to her testamentary munifi- 
cence are the city of St. Louis and humanity indebted for the Biddle Infant 
Asylum and Asylum of Indigent Widows and Lying-in Hospital. Not 
vet is the catalogue of this noble-minded Christian exhausted. She left to 
St. Louis the ground on which Biddle Market stands, for the purpose of a 
market; and lier charitable donations in every-day life it would be impossi- 
ble to enumerate. 

We have now to revert to tlie monument, with its meek and solemn 
invocation, which served as an introduction to the honorable name of Mrs. 
Ann Biddle. She left the piece of land on which the moiiument stands 
as a burial-place for herself and husband, and bequeathed eight thousand 
dollars to enclose it, build a vault, and to erect a monument. The meek 
inscription it bears is evidence of her conception of celestial purity ; for 
though her life had been spent in the practice of tliose holy precepts 
inculcated by religion and virtue, she felt that sin and stain were insepa- 
rable from earthly existence, and the soul once linked to corporal life must 
be cleansed by some propitiation before it is fitted for the skies. The 
charitable institutions she has founded will make her name more imperish- 
able than the marble mausoleum on which her name is inscribed. On one 
side of the plat of ground on which the vault is built is the Orphan 
Asylum ; on the other, the Lying-in Asyhnn. 

The harbor of St. Louis had always been a source of uneasiness and 
annoyance to the inhabitants. The currents of the Mississippi, in their 
eddying and wayward motion, continually changed the channel of the 
river, and as fast as obstructions were removed at one point they would 
form in another location, and seriously impede navigation. As has been 
before observed, both the city and general government had contributed 
to render it adequate to the wants of the growing city, and thousands of 
dollars had been spent upon it, apparently all in vain; for in this year a 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 391 

sand-bar formed in the river directly in front of the landing, extending 
from Duncan's Island up to Cherry street. The island was no longer a 
proper name, for the slongh in many places had become partially filled up, 
and persons could pass over to the main part of the island without water 
interference. Along the levee, south of Oak street, navigation was en- 
tirely suspended, and the accumulation of sand was gradually forming 
toward the north. The inhabitants became much alarmed, and the ne- 
cessities of urgent measures became so apparent that Congress and the 
city fathers at once contributed liberally toward clearing the harbor, and 
it was done in years afterward in so efficient a manner that it was of final 
benefit. 

The commerce of St. Louis, at this time, had reached an extent truly 
surprising, and not only involved the welfare of St. Louis, but that of the 
most fertile localities on the Missouri, Illinois, and Mississippi rivers, of 
which the great "Metropolis of the West" had become the market. 
Hence, directly it became apparent that the obstructions of the harbor 
presented truly a serious aspect, pecuniary relief was at once offered. In 
1845, there were two thousand and fifty steamboats in the harbor of St. 
Louis, with an aggregate tonnage of three hundred and fifty-eight thou- 
sand and forty-five tons; and the number of keel and flatboats was three 
hundred and forty-six. 

This year Peter G. Camden was elected mayor, succeeding Bernard 
Pratte, who had proved a most efficient municipal executive. 

The news which reached St. Louis of war actually existing between the 
United States and Mexico created the wildest excitement, mingled at one 
time with the greatest solicitude, when it was rumored that General Tay- 
lor, witli his handful of troops, was surrounded by an overpowering force 
of the enemy. Immediately the martial and patriotic spirit of the inhab- 
itants evinced itself, and companies were organized almost at a moment's 
warning. 

The St. Louis Legion, which had long been one of the most popular 
military organizations in the city, began immediately to prepare for the 
regions west of the Rio Grande. They had their camp at a little distance 
from the city, and military tactics and discipline were at once commenced 
Some of the volunteers not being properly prepared for the campaign, 
Judge Bryan Mullanphy made an effort to get five thousand dollars from 
the State Bank of Missouri, on his individual note for four months, 
pledging valuable stocks as security; but the length of time, and the 
manner of his oftered negotiation with the bank, proved an objection, and 
his patriotic efforts were fruitless. However, the citizens of St. Louis 
determined that the volunteers in the service of their country should not 
leave for a foreign land without their proper supplies, and at a meeting 
to take into consideration the subject, a subscription was started, and 
nearly six thousand dollars were subscribed on the spot. Colonel J. B. 
Brant started the subscription with one thousand dollars. The following- 
named gentlemen contributed also most liberally : J. & E. Walsh, J. H. 
Lucas, B. Mullanphy, Robert Campbell, E. A. Filley, J. B. Sarpy, Alfred 
Vinton, William Milburn, K. Mackenzie, James Glasgow, Benjamin Stick- 
ney, A. Meier <k Co., D. I). Mitchell, F. Kennett, Woods, Christy & Co., 
Loker, Renick k Co., Abbott & Peake, and T. Walker. By this opportune 
advance of money, the volunteers were provided with clothing suitable 



392 THE GREAT WEST 



to the warm climate of the Mexican countiy. Each man was supplied 
with a blanket, whicli was essentially necessary as a campaign article of 
service. 

Our difficulty with Mexico dates back less than a score of year?, and 
though 'J'inie has been busy garnering his harvest in the field of human 
life, vet it is in the recollection of both the young and old, how great 
was the martial excitement over the land at the time, and how many 
thousands of patriotic youths claimed the precedence of rushing to the 
battle-iield, and in a foreign land. The fire of patriotism is of so pure and 
vestal a nature that it can kindle even in the sensitive heart of woman, 
and many a soft musical voice cheered the enthusiastic soldier, and caused 
the blood to gush warmer through the veins of the soldiers in their 
longing desire to prove in bloody strife their devotion to their country. 

Ill 8t. Louis, the Legion was presented with a banner by Mrs. J. M. 
White and her daughter, Mrs. F. Kennett. The flag bore on one side tho 
armorial bearings of the state of Missouri, and on the other side was the 
bird of our Union and of Jove, with the motto, " Success to the brave — 
may your trust be in God." Colonel Easton, the commanding officer of 
the Legion, received the flag, and when he had returned thanks in an ap- 
propriate and expressive manner, three hearty cheers to the fair donors, 
that made the welkin ring, burst from the lungs of the patriotic soldiers. 
Colonel Davenport, of the United States army, who was the presiding 
officer at Jefferson Barracks, also made a stirring address, which w'as re- 
ceived with exulting shouts. In a few days afterward, the St. Louis 
Legion took their departure for New Orleans, in a boat provided for that 
purpose, and hundreds of the population of St. Louis and the surround- 
ing country stood on the bank of the "Father of Waters," watching tho 
boat until it was no longer visible, freighted with young and gallant 
spii'its.* 

The officers composing the regiment were as follows: A. R. Easton, 
colonel; F. Kennett, lieutenant-colonel ; G. Shoenthaller, major ; H. Alm- 
stedt, adjutant ; George Johnson, surgeon ; R. H. Stevens, assistant-surgeon ; 
and George Knapp, lieutenant and acting-commander of sub. 

St. Louis Grdj/a — S. O. Coleman, captain ; George W. West, first lieu- 
tenant ; George Knapp, second lieutenant ; Charles E. Allen, first sergeant ; 
J. B. Shepherd, second sergeant; Edward Colston, third sergeant; S. F. 
Spalding, fourtli sergeant; James Parker, first corporal; Samuel Roland, 

second corporal ; A. T. Trysdale, third corporal ; Kingsley, fourth 

corporal. 

JVatire American Ranc/ers — Philander Salisbury, captain ; William A. 
Barnes, first lieutenant; Henry L. Ross, second lieutenant; James Spore, 
first sergeant; David Bayles, second sergeant; John P. Shannon, third 
sergeant; Charles L. Smith, fourth sei'geant ; A. B. Vanerson, first cor- 
poral ; J, F. Brooks, second corporal ; John W. Yates, third corporal ; J. 
B. Chesley, fourth corporal. 

Boone Guards — John Knapp, captain ; Thomas II. McVicker, first 
lieutenant; James Brown, second lieutenant ; C. II. Merritt, first sergeant ; 
D. S. Perry, second sergeant; G. W. Paul, third sergeant; Thomas D. 

* Colonel Kaston, after returning to St. Louis with the Legion, went across the 
plains to Mexico, and remained in active service during the whole campaign. 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS, 393 

Vandewenter, fourth sergeant ; P. H. Erambert, first corporal ; Benjamin 
Boone, second corporal ; William A. Patterson, third corporal ; Thaddeus 
Boone, fourth corporal.* 

Montgomery Guards — John Watson, jr., captain; Patrick Deegan, first 
lieutenant; Thomas Mara, second lieutenant; William Gruniley, first ser- 
geant; Thomas Nugent, second sergeant; Martin Dryer, third sergeant; 
Patrick Lawler, fourth sergeant; C. A. Rose, first corporal ; G. O'Brien, 
second corporal; William Flynn, third corporal; N. N. Watson, fourth 
corporal. 

Morgan mjiemen — Henry J. B. McKellops, captain; James T. Moore, 
first lieutenant; George N. Miller, second lieutenant; A. L.Whitley, 
first sergeant; Tilden Reed, second sergeant ; William Coody, third ser- 
geant ; Joseph Laiigley, fourth sergeant; Hiram Ogden, first corporal; 
Charles Hammond, second corporal ; Victor L. Benton, third corporal ; 
Joseph Lawrence, fourth corporal. 

Colonel Thornton Grimsby, with Mr. Charles Bent, an enterprising 
Indian trader, in a few days raised a mounted company of nearly a thou- 
sand efticient soldiers, but the governor of Missouri appointed another 
officer to command them. There was also the Laclede Rangers, under the 
command of Captain Thomas B. Hudson, a horse-artillery company, under 
the command of Captain Weightman, a company of mounted dragoons, 
under Captain Fischer, and an artillery company, commanded by Captain 
Renick. Tliese mounted companies were to join Colonel Kearnev at 
Fort Leavenworth and proceed across the plains to New Mexico. R. L. 
Clarke was elected major of an artillery battalion formed out of a portion 
of the companies we have named, and Colonel Robert Campbell was in- 
spector-general of the mounted companies as they were forming. Colonel 
Bogg of the sixty-fourth regiment was very efticient in promoting the or- 
ganization of the volunteer companies, and adding to their ardor by 
patriotic addresses. The pen, if moved alone by the volition of the 
author, would like to linger longer over this time, hallowed by patriotic 
feeling, and would wish to swell the narration, by recording the names of 
other officers, who were ready to offer their services and their lives, if re- 
quired, for their country's good ; but other topics connected with the 
history demand their share of attention. 

October 26th witnessed the ceremony of the dedication of Odd Fellows' 
Hall. The building had been more than a year in the course of erection, 
the corner-stone having been laid April 2Gth, 1845, and the edifice being 
so splendid, and the occasion so replete with interest, the consecration 
was witnessed by a large assembly of the people, and there was a uni- 
versal attendance of the order. On one of the tablets is inscribed, " In- 
stituted June ISth, 1838 — Incorporated Feb. 22d, 1843." On the eastern 
wall, engraved in gold, are the words, so rich in moral precept and so 

* There was a youtli attached to this companj'- by the name James W. Robinson, 
who, on his return from Mexico, having evinced so strong a predilection for military life, 
joined with a high sense of honor, that interest was created in his behalf, and, through the 
Hon. James S. Green, he was admitted to the academy at West Point, and went through 
the rigid course of education required at that institution. He is now one of the lieu- 
tenants of the 1st regiment of artillery, and one of its most efficient officers. 

In tiie .same corps, tlie first sergeant, C. H. Merritt, was appointed by General Tay- 
lor, marshal of New Mexico, on its organization. 



39-1: THE GREAT WEST 



typical of the institution of the order, " AVo command vou to visit the 
sick, relieve the distressed ;" and immediately opposite, on the western 
wall, are the words, likewise dressed in gold, " Bury the dead, and edu- 
cate the orphan.'' 

The ladies of the Centenary Churcli presented the order, throuo-h the 
Rev. John Ilogan, with a ma<rnificent banner, bordered with the mystieal 
symbols of tlie order, the centre occupied by a female form, representing 
Charity, and above, looking down upon all, was the All-seeiniv Eye. The 
banner was received, in belialf of the order, by Dr. John S. Moore, with 
elegant and appropriate remarks. In conclusion of the ceremonies o-n 
the interesting occasion, an oration was delivered by the Rev. Charles B. 
Parsons, showing the principles of morality and religion in which the 
institution of Odd Fellows was radicate<l, and from which it sprung. The 
address was delivered in an impressive manner, and was replete with 
classical and rhetorical beauties. 

The pork trade in St. Louis, at this time, occupied considerable atten- 
tion, employed much capital, and formed a large stem of the trade of the 
city. The most extensive establishments in the city were those owned by 
Messrs. Sigerson, Waddington, Swearingen, Conn, Amelung, Ames, Ris- 
ley. Barber & Taylor, liutler & McCorkell, and Bachelder & Runyan. 
Some of these mammoth establishments could slaughter a thousand of hogs 
daily. Mr. Risler was the first pork packer in Missouri. 



AND HEB COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 395 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Incorporation of Boatmen's Saving Institution. — Celebration of the Anniversary of the 
Founding of St. Louis. — The great procession. — Pierre Chouteau. — The address 
delivered bj' Wilson Primm, Fsq. — The dinner at the Planters' House. — The great 
illuniinalioii of llie city in honor of General Taylor's victories. — An eagle loosed 
from its cage. — Great famine in Scotland and Ireland. — Meeting of the inhabitants 
of St. Louis to afford relief to those countries. — The magnetic telcgraj)!!. — Interest 
in railroads. — Ohio and Mississippi railroad. — Complimentary dinner to General 
Shields. — General Taylor a favorite with the people of St. Louis. — They determined 
to run him for the Presidency. — News of the outbreak in Paris. — Meeting of the 
citizens. — Louis Napoleon. — Lamartine. — Death of Edward Cliarless. — General Kear- 
ii03\ — Cholera appears. — Purchase of Belle Fontaine Cemetery. — Great fn-e — Twenty- 
three steamboats consumed. — Whole blocks of hou.ses destroyed. — Three millions 
of property consumed. — Death of T. B. Targee. — Building again conunenced. — 
Main street widened. — Reappearance of the cholera. — Its mortality. — Disagreement 
of the doctors. — City Council ibrbid the sale of vegetables. — Revoke the act. — 
Fatality of the disea.se among the emigrants. — Quarantine established. — The eflect 
of the lire and cholera upon St. Louis. — The resumption of business on a more ex- 
tensive .scale. — Prosperous indications. — National Pacific Railroad convention. — St. 
Louis Medical College built. — Tragedy at the City Hotel. — Two French noblemen 
arrested. — Their trial and acquittal. 

1847. — Tn the early part of this year an act was passed for the incor- 
poration of the Boatmen's Saving Institution, which has become so 
popuhir with all classes of citizens, and which has by the proper use of 
its capital given increased vitality to the business of the city, and swelled 
and extended its limits. The gentlemen mentioned in the act as the 
corporators, and to whom principally belongs the credit of the new enter- 
prise, were George W. Sparhauk, Sullivan lilood, Edward Dobbins, Luther 
M. Kennett, Daniel D. I'age, B. W. Alexander, Adam S. Mills, Amade 
Valle, George K. Budd, Thomas Andrews, Henry D. Bacon, Laura.son 
Biggs, Samuel C. Davis, James G. Barry and John M. Wimer. 

It was in this year that there was a celebration of the " anniversary of 
the founding of St. Louis," and there was universal enthusiasm felt by 
the community on the occasion, and extensive preparations were made 
for the event, which took place on February 15th. The military and fire 
companies turned out on this interesting occasion, schools, societies, and 
orders swelled the procession — all having waving banners, significant of 
the sphere in which they moved, and appropriate for the occasion. 
Drawn in an open carriage, was Pierre Chouteau, the companion of 
Pierre Laclede Liguest, the founder of St. Louis, He was accompanied 
by his three sons, one of whom was named Pierre Liguest. On the car- 
riage the eyes of the immense multitude were bent with eagerness. That 
old man, with hoary locks, then upwards of ninety years, was the last 
relic of those hardy pioneers who knew St. Louis the first year of its 
existence, and he was the pioneer trader of the savages inhabiting the 
■wild solitudes of the Missouri. 

In miniature was carried in the procession, the model of the first 
18 



396 THE GREAT WEST 



steamboat, the General Pike, that touched the levee in July, 1817. Even 
the model, true to its original, had a quaint and awkward appearance; 
and to show the march of improvement, and to give to it still more the 
impress- of antiquity, another model of a modern steamer with all of its 
oraceful and palatial finish, was carried in its wake. The General Pike 
was a creation of the past — was uncomely and clumsy in its structure, 
but when it first touched the wharf it looked to the voyageurs^ the Indians, 
and the raftsmen, the complete embodiment, and finest of all that creative 
genius could accomplish. They had been accustomed to look upon the 
Mackinaw boat, the raft, and the keel-boat, and the General Pike, to 
them, was like a fairy creation. 

It was a beautiful sight to witness the innocent transport of the youth, 
formed in separate companies and coming from the public and private 
schools of the city. Most of them had their banners and their badges, 
and their presence gave an April freshness to the occasion. Conspicuous 
among the number were the pupils of Mr. Wyman's high-school. 

The part of the procession made up of the Freemasons and the Inde- 
pendent order of Odd Fellows, was most imposing. They had on this 
occasion on parade, all of the devices and emblems peculiar to their 
orders, and on their banners were mottoes of Christian precept, and signif- 
icant of the goodness and usefulness of these worthy institutions. The 
printers, firemen, coopers, trunk, saddle and harness makers, were all 
there, with appropriate devices indicating their presence in the proces- 
sion. 

Conspicuous in the line of march were immense casks, indicating the 
advent and the reign of that extensive and blessed institution — lager- 
bier. One cask was from the brewery of Adam Lemp, another from the 
bfevvery of McIIose and English, another from the brewery of G. Snyder, 
and one from the Union Brewery, owned by Julius Winkelmair. The 
most rotund, jolly, rubicund and roystering set of Germans were chosen 
to accompany the beer casks. 

Some idea may be formed of the length of the procession, when it 
reached from Spruce to Pine street. After perambulating through the 
great thoroughfares of the city, it at length halted in the locality of the 
court-house, from the steps of which the address was to be delivered by 
Honorable Wilson Primm, a member of the St. Louis bar, who was born 
in St. Louis, and whose ancestors were at the founding of the city, in 
1764. This address was published in a pamphlet form, and is a lucid 
and succinct relation of the early settlement of the town. Its style is 
chaste, profuse in rhetorical beauty, and classical ; and was delivered with 
that burning and fervid eloquence for which its author is so remarkable. 
After the address, the officers of the procession and a number of citizens 
and distinguished strangers proceeded to the Planters' House, to partake, 
of the sumptuous dinner prepared for the occasion. The Honorable John 
F. Darby presided, and the following gentlemen were the appointed vice- 
presidents, H. Von Phul, F. R. Conway, Dr. B. G. Farrar, Edward Bates, 
Asa Wilgup, Dr. Robert Simpson, Colonel John O'Fallon, W. King and 
Colonel J. B. Brant. On the right of the president was seated the vener- 
able Pierre Chouteau. The dinner was truly a convivial one; there were 
hunger and thirst sufficient to do justice to the choice wine and viands 
supplied in prodigal profusion; and the intellect kindled and the spirits 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 397 

warmed and danced, under the happy influence of the festive scene. 
Complimentary toasts were drunk and responded to, and if some mind too 
aspiring for its capacity, would fail in its rhetorical flights, or would 
play sad havoc with facts and dates of history, the effusion was hailed as 
the essence of historical knowledge, and poetical beauty. The time was 
dedicated to the festal hour, and nothing was suflfered to mar its in- 
fluence. 

If space permitted, we would like to give some of the fine toasts, 
radiations of cultivated intellects glowing with the fires of true inspira- 
tion, but it cannot be — we must hasten to other events which in the prog- 
ress of time have been teeming into birth, and require a record to preserve 
them as memorials. 

Festive occasions are called into existence by the genial sunshine of 
prosperity, and the celebration of "The Anniversary of the Founding of 
St. Louis," was followed by a general illumination of the city. As yet, 
gas had not been introduced, but at a meeting of the citizens, it was 
determined that the Mexican victories should be celebrated by a general 
illumination. Nearly all of the grounds in the vicinity of Lucas market 
were then vacant, and cannons were planted on them, and also fire rockets ; 
and the sending up of these last, was a signal for the illumination, which, 
commencing simultaneously in every part of the city, was attended with 
the most striking and brilliant effect. In a moment, St. Louis, as it were, 
was bathed in a flood of light. Many of the boats on the levee were 
beautifully lit up on the occasion, and bonfires streamed forth from every 
part of the city. One of the markets was lit up in "a very brilliant man- 
ner by the command of the stockholders, and during the day, from the 
office of the Reveille, a caged eagle was loosed, bearing on one of its legs, 
a brass plate, with the impress " Buena Vista." The noble bird, though 
he had been some time a prisoner, soared easily and gracefully from the 
earth, toward the setting sun, watched by thousands of citizens, as he 
cleaved his way through the regions of space, to soar through which, 
strong pinions had been given by the beneficent God of Nature. 

While the people of St. Louis were enjoying the festive hour, and cele- 
brating, with illumination, the triumph of American arms, from across the 
Atlantic were heard the doleful sounds of distress proceeding from starv- 
ing thousands. Ireland and Scotland, from an almost total failure of crops, 
were visited by the ghastly terrors of famine. From hunger, hundreds 
died, and unless instant relief were sent, thousands more would meet the 
same torturing doom. By the suffering in those countries, an appeal was 
made to their countrymen in the United States — nor was it made in vain. 
From every city of note in the Union, contributions in money, food, and 
apparel were forwarded to the suflfering countries.' In St. Louis, the 
friends of Ireland called a meeting, at which Colonel John O'Fallon pre- 
sided, and Christopher Garvey was appointed secretary. The meeting was 
for the relief of the sufferers of Ireland ; and to carry out its object, the 
following-named gentlemen were chosen as committee : — Col. J. O'Fal- 
lon, Colonel Joshua B. Brant, George Collier, Judge Bryan MuUanphy, 
Captain John Simonds, Edward Walsh, John Finney, Colonel Robert 
Campbell, Eugene Kelley, Wm. Lindsay, Colonel T. Grimsley, II. Von 
Phul, K. M. Rennick, A. Elliott, George Buchanan, George K. McGunnegle, 
A.Vinton, J. E. Yeatman, A. Piggott, P. Slevin, and Captain Wm. Rowe. 



598 THE GREAT WEST 



There were many other citizen of St. Louis, who took an active part in 
forwarding the phihinthropic undertaking. 

There were various meetings held also of citizen Scotchmen, and 
those of Scotch descent, to relieve the destitution of that country, so en- 
deared to patriotic hearts, by the memories of Bruce and Wallace. 
Taking the lead for the relief of Scotland, was Kenneth Mackenzie, ably 
secondeil by Colonel A. U. Stuart, II. Ogden, T. M. Taylor, T. S. Kuther- 
furd, Thomas Webster, John S. Thompson, W. B. Barber, James Moffat, 
Thomas Primrose, N. E. Janney, Wm. Straclian, Judge Ferguson, and D. 
A. Marshall. The citizens of St. Louis contributed most liberally to those 
worthy appeals to their benevolence, and we regret that we cannot afford 
more space to the recording of the names of others who nobly came 
forward on that occasion, and responded liberally to the appeal made upon 
their bountv. 

On December 20th, of this year, the great wonder of the day — the 
culminating glory of the human intellect — the magnetic telegraph com- 
menced operations on the Illinois side opposite St. Louis, and transmitted 
messages on the " lightning wing" to the principal cities of the east. For 
a little while, this grand creation, more grand than any former conception 
of the hun)an intellect, and evincing the spirituality of the intellect, and 
the intimate connection with the Deity from its power, was the theme of 
universal conversation and general interest, and then, losing the polished 
attraction of novelty, other events more newly born became for a season 
the, pets of popular favor. 

Every city, at thistime, wished to become a link in the great chain of 
railroads, which were fast extending themselves through the different sec- 
tions of the Union, and placed distant cities in close proximity. Some years 
before, there had l)een an Internal Improvement Convention held in St. 
Louis, which we have already noticed, but after a meteoric display of 
enthusiasm, the subject died away, and there was no indication left of its 
existence. The railways were then very distant, but now the whistle of 
the engine was approaching from the east, and Cincinnati could boast of 
a railroad connection with all of the principal eastern cities. It was a 
darling project too of her enterprising business men, to have a railway 
connection with the Mississippi river, at St. Louis. What would be the 
best route through Indianapolis or Vincennes ? Each of these routes 
had its friends, and could advance, respectively, arguments in favor of 
each locality for the proposed road. The citizens of Vincennes became 
very active in having the projected road to pass through their city, and 
meetino;s were hehi, and the capitalists of the place were ready to sub- 
scribe Uberally to the stock, if the " Ohio and Mississippi Railroad" would 
pass the Wabash at that location. That route was at length determined 
upon, after a communication with the citizens of St. Louis. 

The citizens of Vincennes are entitled to much credit for their enter- 
prisino- exertions in getting the route fixed upon through their city. 
Judges John Law and Abner T. Ellis were untiring in their efforts on 
that occasion, and visited St. Louis several times to confer with our 
prominent citizens. They were likewise efficiently assisted, by Messrs. 
Samuel Judah, David S. Bonner, Wm. Birtch, John Wise, Cyrus M. 
AMen, John Ross, Wm. B. McCord, and Benjamin S. Thomas. Many of 
the citizens of St. Louis took an active part in creating this great high- 



AND COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 399 

way of travel, running throngh the heart of the great Anierican bottom 
— the Goshen of the Union. 

On December 28th, there was a meeting of the citizens of St. Louis, 
called to take into consideration the propriety of taking measures to 
authorize the city of St. Louis to subscribe live hundred thousand dollars 
toward the construction of the Oliio and Mississippi Railroad; George 
Collier presided at the meeting, and John F. Darby was appointed secre- 
tary. The following resohition was then oft'ered by T. IJ. Hudson, and 
adopted : 

Resolved, That a committee of seven be appointed by the chairman of 
this meeting, whose duty it shall be to petition the legislature for the 
passage of a law authorizing the city of St. Louis to subscribe for five 
hundred thousand dollars of stock in the Ohio and Mississippi llailroad, 
and that said committee be instructed to use all proper exertions to secure 
the passage of such law. 

Agreeably to this resolution, the following-named gentlemen were ap- 
pointed by the chair as such committee : T. li. Hudson, A. Gamble, L. 
M. Kennett, J. F. Darby, A. Kayser, James E. Yeatman, and George 
Collier. 

The efforts of the committee were successful in procuring the passage 
of an ordinance, granting St. Louis the privilege of the contemplated sub- 
scription, provided it should meet with the approbation of the people. 
The people did vote for the measure, and accordingly the stock was sub- 
scribed to. 

We here remark that Prof. Mitchel, he whose fame is associated with 
the stars, by his devotion to astronomy, and his success in bringing with- 
in the scope of human vision, more of the sublime mysteries of that 
ennobling science, was untiring in his efforts to bring about the railroad 
connection between Cincinnati and St. Louis; and to the influence of the 
addresses which he delivered in these cities, and the cities on the con- 
templated line, is, in a great measure, to be attributed, at so early a 
period, this direct connection between this great metropolis of the west- 
ern country. 

Let it suffice for the present, that the citizens of Vincennes, whom we 
have mentioned, took a most prominent part in the incipiency of this 
great measure, and procured a charter from the Indiana legislature. We 
will again recur to this subject. 

1848. — The character of the inhabitants of a city is reflected by their 
actions, and whoever attentively peruses the history of St. Louis, will 
tind liow sensibly alive the citizens are on all occasions to the claims of 
merit, and anxious to reward, and cherish it by some public demonstra- 
tion. This year there were meetings held, and resolutions complimentary 
were passed to the volunteer companies who returned from Mexico. 
Many of the officers of the United States army, on their return from 
Mexico, stopped en route, to Wasliington, at St. Louis, and must have 
been gratified with their reception. A complimentary dinner was offered 
to General Shields and accepted ; and to Colonel Kearney and Colonel 
Doniplian, the same honor was tendered, which, from the pressure of 
their business, they were compelled to decline. 

As has been before observed, St. Louis had always manifested strong 
political proclivities, and the "Rough and Ready" fever which raged at 



400 



THE GREAT WEST 



one time throughout the whole Union, with such maddening excitement, 
may be said to liave commenced in St. Louis. Ward and mass meetings 
were held, and long before the hero of Palo Alto, Monterey, Buena 
Vista, and other battles, ever dreamed of aspiration to civic honors, it had 
been determined on in St. Louis, the next in that measure to New Or- 
leans, that the chief magistracy of the Union should reward his military 
exploits. 

The martial excitement produced by the victorious news from Mexico 
was increased by the reports which announced the breaking out of the 
revolution in Paris and Germany. In St. Louis there was a large meet- 
ing held on April 19th ; Judge John M. Krum was chosen president, and 
Alexander Kayser, David Chambers, Judge Bryan Mullanphy, and John 
F.Darby, vice-presidents. The following gentlemen were chosen secretaries, 
C. E. Lebaume, Lewis Cortambert, and Alexander J. P. Garesche. This 
meeting was largely attended, but it was only preliminary to a general 
mass meeting that was in contemplation. For this mass meeting a com- 
mittee was appointed to prepare an address and suitable resolutions. The 
following-named gentlemen received the appointment : R. S. Blanner- 
hassett, James Lemen, Daniel H, Donovan, John F. Darljy, Wilson 
Primm, James G. Barry, Colonel L. V. Bogy, Captain Deegan, D. A. 
Magehan, Lewis Bach, Robert Cathcart, J. S. Hall, Reuben B. Austin, 
P. G. Camden, Judge Scliaumburg, Judge Mullanphy, and William 
Weber. The address prepared by the committee, and which was read at 
the mass meeting by Pierce C. Grace, was a very able one, and the people 
■of Paris, who had hurled the monarch from the throne and compelled 
him to flee, were lauded with the most enthusiastic cheers. Lamartine was 
the Spartan hero, who thus successfully headed the popular outbreak 
which destroyed the Bourbon dynasty, and his name became familiar to 
every fireside. lie forsook his studies for the great occasion ; and through 
his exertions there was a promise, for a brief period, that France would 
be a republic. She became one, but not to remain one. A revolution 
had before afforded an avenue to the ambition of Napoleon ; and when 
again kingly power became extinct by revolutionary movements, a Bona- 
parte again, with the marvellous power of genius and greatness, took thq 
dynasty of the great nation in his hands; and that, too, with the consent 
of the people who had, a few months before, risen in mass against mon- 
archical arbitrament. He has become the idol of the people — not forced 
upon them by any hereditary prerogative, but their chosen one ; and it 
may be truly said, the darling object of his great mind is, to heap glory 
upon France and make her " proudly eminent" among the nations of the 
earth. Lamartine, the gentle enthusiast, the scholar, the hero, unskilled 
in diplomatic finesse, and whose theory of government had been woven 
in the closet, and was of too gossamer a texture for strength and durability, 
went into exile and became a literary devotee, for which nature had de- 
signed him, and his sentimental creations, so dream-like, so spiritual in 
their nature, have gone abroad to the world, and have given him a fiime 
far more wide than his efforts in a sterner sphere. 

The French citizens in St. Louis were enthusiastic at the success of the 
outbreak in Paris, and the dawn of a republican government. They 
called a meeting, at which Dr. John Rivereau presided, and of which 
Wilson Primm was appointed secretary. The Marseillaise Hymn was sung, 



AND HEK COMMERCIAL ]MI;TE0P0I,IS. 401 

and eloquent addresses were delivered. On the same evening there was 
a large gathering of the Germans, produced by the exciting news from the 
fadeilaiu/, and the revolutionary indication from every part, produced by 
republican tendencies. At all of these meetings resolutions were passed 
for the preparation of patriotic addresses, to be sent to France and Ger- 
many, expressive of sympathy and encouragement. 

On June 22d the death of Edward Charless was announced. From 
the fact tliat the deceased came to this country with his father, Joseph 
Charless, at a very early period, when it was Louisiana Territory, to- 
gether wMth his extensive acquaintance and estimable qualities, his death 
became a matter of public concern. He died in the fiftieth year of his 
age universally regretted. A few months after the decease of Edward 
Charless, the country was called upon to mourn the death of General 
Stephen W. Kearney, who died of chronic diarrhoea, a disease contracted 
while he was in Mexico, and which proved more fatal to our gallant 
officers and soldiers than the arms of th^ enemies. General Kearney was 
a native of New Jersey, and when in the eighteenth year of his age, and 
when a student of Nassau Hall, Princeton, at the breaking out of the war 
in 1812 with Great Britain, he obtained a commission of lirst-lieutenant. 
He was taken prisoner during the war, and after being exchangetl, served 
with honor during the campaign; and when the army was reduced to a 
peace establishment, he acquired the rank of captain. Having thus early 
entered upon the profession of arms, he cleaved to what appeared his rul- 
ing passion, and remained in the active service of his country until he 
was cut off by death, in the fifty-fifth year of his age. 

Colonel Kearney was early identified with the western country. He 
was sent to protect the frontier parts of the western country, which for 
many years were visited with all the horrors of savage warfiire. He was 
engaged in the campaign in the south against the Camanches, and for 
many years was stationed at Fort Leavenworth on the Missouri, and by 
his knowledge of the Indian character, and by his conciliatory and de- 
cided conduct, he kept the frontier settlements free from those terrible 
atrocities which form the record of most of the pioneer settlements of our 
land. He married Miss Radford, step-daughter of Gov. William Clark, 
in St. Louis ; and during the Mexican war, with the rank of brigadier- 
general, by order of the government he went across "the plains" to take 
possession of Mexico and California. History has recorded his success in 
accomplishing the responsible mission confided to him. The c\ij of St. 
Louis was his home ; and he was buried with military honors. The 
funeral obsequies were in keeping with the official position and wealth 
of the illustrious deceased ; an impressive sermon was delivered on the 
occasion by the Rev. Bishop Hawks, and the procession extended a mile 
in length on its passage to the cemetery. Then, when the body was de- 
posited in the vault, the artillery boomed, and three rounds were fired by 
the infantry ; then tlie procession started for the city, and the remains 
of the lamented Kearney were left in the cemetery. 

About the closing of the year, the inhabitants of St. Louis became much 
alarmed by the existence of Asiatic cholera in New Orleans, and now and 
then a death occurred near the city with all the symptoms of that dreaded 
pestilence. For more than a year previous the dreaded malady had ap- 
peared in Europe, then in Canada, and its course through the United 



402 



THE GREAT WEST 



States had been piedicted by many eminent physicians. The warnings 
had been heralded abroad by the journals throughout the Union, and in 
St. Louis they had again and again suggested the necessity of anticipating 
the pestilence, by commencing the most etlective sanitary precautions. 
The weakness of humanity is generally to procrastinate; and wliat could 
have been done in ] 848 in the way of sanitary precautions, was postponed, 
which, though it might not have precluded the appearance of the direful 
disease, would have disarmed it of half of its deadly power. It was not 
until now and then a scattering case showed clearly that the disease was 
within the portals, that any efficient efforts were taken to remove the filth 
everywhere abouniling, and to commence the process of purification. 
However, after a few days, the alarm subsided, for, no fresh cases oc- 
curring, and the news that the malady was on the decline in New Orleans, 
the inhabitants thought no more of the dread enemy, which they sup- 
posed had finally departed, and the city authorities bent their efforts to 
accomplish things occupying more of public interest than cleaning the 
streets. 

1849. — It was in April that the trustees purchased what is now known 
as the Belle Fontaine Cemetery. The act of corporation styled the cem- 
etery th^ "Rural Cemetery," but it being on the Belle Fontaine road, it 
was very properly changed to the name it now bears. It was bought of 
Luther M. Kennett, and was known as the "Hempstead Farm." The 
names of the trustees mentioned in the act are John F. Darby, Henry 
Kayser, Wayman Crow, James E. Yeatman, James Harrison, Charles S. 
Rannells, Gerard B.Allen, Philander Salisbury, William Bennett, Augus- 
tus Brewster, and William M. M'Pherson. The charter is forfeited if the 
land is devoted to any other purpose than that of a cemeteiy. At the 
time of the purchase of the land, the road, which now runs along the 
skirt of the river which bounds the grounds on the east side, ran through 
them, directly up the hill, but was changed by the order of the County 
Court. It is one of the most beautiful positions for a cemetery that 
could have been chosen — nature appears to have adapted it to the pur- 
pose. It is the proper distance from the city, and has a retired, romantic 
situation. At the time of tlie purchase it was covered with a fine growth 
of young timber in a thrifty state, and a large portion of which still re- 
mains upon the grounds, imparting to it a grandeur which could not be 
derived from any foreign umbrageous impoitiition. The main road in the 
grounds winds gently around the lofty elevation, and almost from every 
point on the east side can be seen the broad surface of the " Father of 
Waters," sublimely sweeping along in his course to southern latitudes. 

There is, even now, though not more than a half-score years in exist- 
ence, more grandeur aboutBelle Fontaine Cemetery than investsGreenwood, 
Laurel Hill, or Auburn, the renowned cemeteries of the oUl Atlantic 
cities, and when one tithe of the expense has been devoted to it which 
has been so prodigally expended upon them, the sublimity of our 
western cemetery, assisted by the tasteful embellishments of art, will give 
to it a striking superiority. 

One of the finest features of the act of incorporation of this cemetery, 
and which lends to it the warm lustre of fraternal aftection, is the pro- 
vision that it must be free fi'om all sectarian influences. The dea<1, with 
all the opposition of their different creeds hushed by the power of death, 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 403 

which levels all cand silences all, here can repose side by side in Christian 
brotherhood, and who, beneath the same sod, can await the glorious re- 
surrection promised by the one beneficent God, who looks more to the 
heart than the creed — more to genuine piety than to the rules of doctrinal 
observi«ices. x 

1849 will ever be a marked era in the annals of St. Louis, and the suc- 
ceeding pages will fully develop to the reader the striking causes which 
give to it a noted existence. It was early on Thursday evening of the 
["J^A^th of May, that there were several alarms of fire, but they were either 
false alarms, or insignificant in their nature. At ten o'clock the fire-bells 
again rang, and in a few moments, blending with their sound, were the 
ringing of the steamboat bells, ominous that one or more of their num- 
ber was in danger of fire. The import was truly sig-nilicant, for a fire 
had broken out on the White Cloud, lying on the wharf between Vine 
and Cherry streets, and set at defiance any effort made to quench it. 
The flames were quickly communicated to four other boats that were 
contiguous, and the immense crowd which had gathered on the wharf 
were of opinion that these boats alone would be victims to the flames. 
Such, however, was not the case, and things commenced to assume a 
terrible aspect. By the action of the fire, the White Cloud had become 
loosed from her fastenings, and, drifting out in the current, fioated down 
the stream. Directly it was discovered that the White Cloud was on 
fire, the fleet of boats at the wharf, to escape the conflagration, had cut 
their cables, and were carried out in the current, and among these, with 
no power to escape, for the steam was not in operation, the White Cloud 
drifted with its crackling timbers. By the philosophic laws which govern 
heat and cold, the flames wooed the sportive currents of air, which, rush- 
ing to the burning steamer, carried her with velocity down the stream, 
and into the midst of others, whose very measures of safety proved their 
destruction. Such often is the fallibility of reason, and we reason "but 
to err." 

The flames from the White Cloud quickly communicated to the other 
steamers, and in a few moments the spectacle presented itself of twenty- 
three boats in fiatnes. It was a sight too extensive in its range — too 
terrible in its sublimity for an artist to transfer to the canvas, even under 
the rapt influences of inspiration. The immense conflagration was a mile 
in its length. The light was painfully brilliant. It radiated all things 
in its vicinity. The eddying current of the Mississippi appeared as a 
Phlegethon rolling burning waves ; the sound of the devouring flames 
licking the timbers of the vessels, could be distinctly heard ; and the 
deep darkness of the forest lining the Illinois shore, seemed like the out- 
lines of a gloomy Tartarus, It was a picture of ruin and desolation, 
produced by the most dangerous of the elements, which, blended with 
earth, air, and water, make the glorious face of nature ; and there was a 
hush among the immense crowd which thronged the levee, which showed 
the deep intensity of their feelings. 

The burning, at one time, of twenty-three boats would have made any 
conflagration famous, and would have insured a record on the pages of 
history; but this great conflagration had a wider range. The levee was 
covered by bales, barrels, and boxes of every description, and some of them 
containing the most combustible materials. The flames from the boats 



404 THE GREAT WEST 



reached tliesc, and the wind blowing from the nortli-east, they were finally 
communicated to a row of shanties on the river, situated between Vine 
and Locust streets. They then communicated to the adjoinino- square, 
south, and, favored by the wind, which appeared to blow most propitious 
for the work of destruction, many blocks of houses were in flames at one 
time, and the eflbrts of the devoted firemen were almost fruitless. The 
fire had extended over too great a surface, and, unfortunately, at an early 
stage the water had given out. 

We will now follow the track of the fire in its ravages, which to many 
of the citizens of St. Louis may be a matter of interest and anxious in- 
quiry. The little row of shanties on the south-east corner of Locust 
street, on Front, were first destroyed, and then communicated to the block 
of buildings on Front street, between Locust and Olive streets. The fol- 
lowing entire blocks on Front street, embracing both sides of Commer- 
cial street, were entirely destroyed, saving the few exceptions whieh Ave 
will mention. The block between Locust and Olive streets was entirely 
destroyed, with the exception of one house, owned by George Collier, 
which was saved by the eftorts of some persons who at the time were in 
the building. The next block on the south, between Olive and Pine 
streets, was entirely consumed, and also the entire block south of that, 
between Pine and Chesnut streets, and the west half of the next block on 
the south side, between Chesnut and Market streets, with the exception 
of one house. The Market-house, occupying the eastern portion of the 
next block, between Walnut and Chesnut, was saved with much difliculty. 
Nearly the wlioie of the portions of the blocks fronting on Main street, 
and situated between Locust and Chesnut streets, were destroyed. LLdf 
of the block located between Olive and Pine streets, fronting on Second 
street, was burnt, and the two entire blocks between Pine and Market 
streets, and fronting on Second street, were consumed, and a portion of 
the block on the south side of Market street, between Main and Second 
streets. 

While this portion of the town was burning, a fire broke out in the 
south part of the city, on Elm street, south side, and nearly all of the 
block between Front and Main streets was destroyed, and the whole of the 
block between ]\|ain and Second streets. The block on the south side of 
Myrtle, between Second and Third streets, was also nearly consumed. 

We have now indicated the locations ravaged by the fire, and the area 
of the burnt district would have been more extensive had not a resort to 
blowing up buildings with gunpowder been resorted to, to open chasms 
between the buildings where the flames might spread themselves. In one 
of the explosions, a worthy citizen was killed. Mr. T. B. Targee had 
been a large auctioneer in the city. At the time of his death he was 
the weigher of the city, and his business and social worth had endeared 
him to a large number of friends, and his life, thus lost by an unfortunate 
accident, and while assisting in stopping the course of the flames, was 
deeply lamented. There were several others seriously wounded by the 
explosion, among whom were Russel Prentiss and Wells Colton. 

In this immense conflagration, there were twenty-three steamboats, 
three barges, and one canal-boat destroyed ; the total value of the boats 
and cargoes was estimated at $439,000. The whole value of property 
destroyed by the conflagration exceeded three millions of dollars. 



AND HEK COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 405 

Such a conflagration in most cities had staid the tide of prosperity, and 
so interrupted the business channels that it would have taken years to 
recover from it. The vital functions of St. Louis were, however, too full 
and extensive even to be weakened by the destruction of such an anjount 
of property. The very loss proved, on the contrary, a benefit and a 
blessing, like the tree that gathers more vigor when cropped of its luxu- 
riance. Immediately after tiie fire, the property-holders held a meeting, 
to take counsel what should be done in the emergency. The property- 
holders on Main street determined to petition the city council to widen 
that great avenue of business, and as the city had not to purchase any 
of the land, their request was at once complied with, and in commencing 
to build up that street, the foundations were considerably withdrawn from 
the former bounds of the buildings, and Main street was widened to its 
present limits. 

In understanding the limits of the burnt district, it will be perceived 
that Front street, from Locust to Market, was entirely destroyed by the 
flames, with the exception of two or three houses on the west side of 
Commercial street. Between Commercial street and the levee there was 
not one left. The block on Front street, extending to Vine, was like- 
wise much injured. It was then a fine opportunity to extend the levee 
from Front to Commercial street, and from Vine to Market street. This 
would have been a levee suitable to the immense and constantly-increasing 
business of the great Metropolis of the West, and some of the most en- 
terprising citizens suggested that the city authorities should buy the 
property, and in future years, as the city increased in size, and its multi- 
plying wants demanded more space on the levee, it could gradually pur- 
chase, and in time St. Louis would have one of the noblest levees in the 
world — that would insure her against any accidental fire that might occur 
on the steamboats, and also from the datnage arising from the great rise 
of waters which, at certain periods, are incidental to the Mississippi and 
its tributaries. Many of the citizens were, liowever, averse to this great 
measure, and with some show of reason. They contended that the city 
was already somewhat straitened in its resources by the calamity of the 
fire, and the purchase of four extensive blocks would be unwise at that 
juncture, as it was impossible that any additional financial weight could be 
supported. 

There was another very forcible argument alleged against the enterpris- 
ing measure, which would ultimately have insured the widening of the 
levee along its whole extent. It was contended that legislation should be 
equal, and if the levee was widened only at the burnt district, its enlarged 
proportions and business facilities would have a tendency of making that 
quarter the nucleus of the great trade of St. Louis. There were many 
means proposed to the city council of widening the levee, and after much 
consideration, that body determined to make it wider by drawing some- 
what on the wide domain of the Father of Waters. The wharf was filled 
in to low-water mark, which made considerable addition to the levee, but 
not sufficient to give it the extent which the business of the city re- 
quires.* 

* Mayor Barry conceived and commenced the first wharf improvements, which were 
afterward so efficiently carried out by his successor. 



406 THE GREAT WEST 



The origin of the great fire will ever remain a mystery. That it was 
the work of an incendiary many supposed, and there existed some strong 
evidence of the fact. There were several arrests made, and testimony 
taken which strongly showed that some "fiend incarnate" had com- 
mitted the diaholical act of firing the steamboat White Cloud, which 
Cvive birth to tlie conflagration. However, nothing could be legally proved 
against the suspected persons, and the steamer may have taken fire from 
some sparks communicated by the passing boats. If the fire were acci- 
dental, this is the only rational mode of accounting for it, as there was 
no fire on board the White Cloud, she having been some weeks under- 
going repairs. 

As we noticed before, the cholera had made its appearance in St. Louis 
at the close of the year 1848, and after a few deaths, the disease had 
Avhcilly disappeared. Early in the spring of 1849, it again returned, 
deaths occurring each day, and increasing in numbers as the days length- 
ened and commenced to glow with the wartn breath of approaching sum- 
mer. It may be here remarked, that if there were any place on the Mis- 
sissippi River which could furnish in abundance aliment for the cholera, 
St. Louis was that place. Most of the alleys were unpaved, and were 
used as repositories for all kinds of filth thrown from the dwellings, and 
which had become blended with the soil one or two feet below the surface. 
When the alleys were cleansed, the surface only was scraped, and the rest 
was left to exhale its poisonous particles. In many parts of the city, the 
cellars contained water, which, becoming stagnant, like so many Dead 
Seas, infected the atmosphere, ot!ering all the elements of nutrition to a 
malignant pestilence like the cholera. There was not a sewer in the city, 
which could have corrected this last evil by draining the cellars. 

In June, the disease assumed a malignity which set at naught the ap- 
pliances of science, and carried consternation among the inhabitants. 
Then it was, at that hour, that the most efficient sanitary measures 
were taken. The streets were swept, alleys were cleansed, and all the 
train of disinfectant agencies were resorted to. It was all in vain — the 
enemv had gained possession of the citadel before proper measures had 
been taken to combat it. 

When this terrific malady was raging in all of its virulence, and noth- 
ing could stay its progress, the columns of the daily journals were teeming 
with speculative theories on the cause of the disease, and the proper 
measures to effect its cure. A board of the most respectable physicians 
in the citv, after careful consultation, gave it as their opinion that a 
vegetable diet was highly injurious, and a meat diet less liable to objec- 
tions than any other. In accordance with the opinions of the board of 
physicians, the city council issued an ordinance prohibiting the sale of 
vegetables within the city limits; and a large class of horticulturists, who 
had depended upon St. Louis as their market, were compelled to let 
their vegetables remain ungathered upon the soil. The fiat of the city 
council was productive of golden times for the butchers, for the approval 
of meat as an article of diet was construed by some as a remedy for the 
disease, and meat was devoured in quantities unknown before in domestic 
annals. 

In despite, however, of the meat diet, the cleansing and purifying of 
streets and alleys, and all the various applications of disinfectant agents, 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOIJS. 407 

day by day the pestilence increased, and the mortality reached the 
alarming; number of one hundred and sixty deaths per diem. Then 
other theories began to be advanced, and other remedies prescribed for 
the disease by pliysicians, wliich were totally at variance with the rer/imen 
which other physicians had advocated. The meat diet being proved as 
no preventive to the disease, a crusade was entered against it, condemn- 
ing its stimulating properties, and declaring that it put the system in a 
state which made it liable to receive the infection. The vegetable diet, 
which had received the unqualified condemnation, of one set of physi- 
cians, was declared by otliers to be the natural food of man, and the most 
suitable diet during the existence of the infectious malady. It was truly 
a time for the disagreement of the doctors, and the city authorities, half 
converted by the eulogies that had been pronounced upon vegetables, and 
half convinced by the proof that man was naturally akin to ruminutinff an- 
imals, formally revoked their former ordinance, which had declared the pro- 
hibition of the sale of vegetables. Each one of the dietetic systems had its 
friends and advocates, and while they were doubtless injuring themselves 
by the practice of either exclusive theory, there was a small class of the 
citizens more wisely adopting no extremes, knowing that health depends 
upon a few simple laws, who pursued a dietetic course that would strengthen 
the system, keep in healthfid play the vital functions, and who studiously 
avoided the enervating influence of strong mental excitement. This 
class of persons suft'erecl but little fi'om the cholera. The malady seldom 
attacked them, and if it did, so well fortified was the system that it suc- 
cessfully resisted it. 

Throughout the spring and early part of summer, every boat coming 
from New Orleans was freighted with crowds of emigrants, and they, 
fatigued with a long voyage, and landing from crowded ships with their 
bodies in a debilitated state, were slaughtered in hecatombs by the dread- 
ful pestilence. The city authorities determined to prevent the arrival of 
emigrants who were likely to bear about them the seeds of any dis- 
ease, by subjecting the boats to quarantine regulations. Then again 
physicians opposed the measure, on the grounds of the non-contagious 
character of the cholera, but the citizens urged the adoption of the meas- 
ure, having lost much faith in medicinal faith and practice. At the 
recommendation of the Committee of Public Health, the city council 
adopted quarantine regulations, and issued an ordinance to that effect, 
empowering the mayor and Committee of Public Health to select the 
location, and to erect suitable tents and sheds for the accommodation of 
those who should be taken from boats with the infectious disorder, or 
those whom it should be adjudged proper should not proceed to the city, 
from the probability of bearing about them the seeds of disease. A com- 
mittee was appointed to select a site for the quarantine, and A. B. 
Chambers and K. S. Blennerhassett, who, having called to their assistance 
the aid of Dr. Richard F. Barrett, selected the site on Arsenal Island, 
and their selection was at once adopted.* A committee was forthwith 
appointed to make the necessary preparations, and A. B. Chambers, 
Thomas Gray, Thomas Dennis, K. S. Blennerhassett, and Luther M. Ken- 

* Mayor Barry had before gone to the island, and attentively examining its position, 
recommended it to the committee as most suitable for a quaraatiue. 



408 



THE GKEAT WEST 



nett, were chosen for this responsible purpose, and Dr. Barrett was ap- 
pointed physician-in-chief, and afterward to Dr. Carrow was entrusted 
the visiting of the boats up the river. The adoption of quarantine reg- 
ulations, by giving to the emigrants airy and comfortable quarters, and 
skilful attendance, doubtless took from the pestilence one-half of its 
victims. 

So long and fatal was this dreadful visitation, and so ineffectual all 
human remedies, that the Committee of Health appointed the second of 
July as a day of humiliation and prayer, that the Almighty Power might 
have compassion, and stop its ravages. It was not until late in the 
month of July that there was any diminution in the number of deaths, 
and then, while the citizens had commenced to enjoy the prospect of a 
daily diminution, and to feel that the tenure of life was less precarious, 
again there was a conflagration, produced by the burning of five steam- 
boats, which, with their cargoes, were estimated to the value of one hun- 
dred and fifty thousand dollars. 

About the middle of August the disease had nearly disappeared. The 
season of its greatest virulence was from the last of April to the first 
week in August, and the following table will show the extent of mortality 
during this period for each week : 



For week ending 



Total deaths. Cholera. 



April 30 i:!l 

May 



June 



7. 
14. 
21. 
28. 

4. 
11. 
18 



135 
273 
192 
186 
144 
283 
510 



41 
78 
185 
127 
115 
75 
191 
404 



For week ending 



June 

July 2 . 

" 9. 

" IG. 

" 23. 

" 30. 
Auffust 6. 



Total deaths. Cholera. 



763 


589 


903 


619 


7T3 


591 


867 


639 


442 


269 


225 


93 


152 


34 



5,989 4,060 



From June 2oth to July 16th was the most fatal period of this dreadful 
scourge, which has left its impress upon the table of time, as a marked 
event that is not to be forgotten. The able report of the Committee of 
Health shows that the mortality was greatest in those districts where 
there were the greatest number of unpaved alleys and streets, in which 
filth of all kinds was deposited, and allowed to accumulate and fester, the 
localities being never visited by the scavenger carts to remove it. Moist 
and improperly ventilated apartments likewise oft'ered encouragement to 
the disease. The report of the committee was sensible, logical, and truth- 
ful.* It must be evident, from the great number of deaths, that some of 
the best citizens would be among ihe number. Such was the fact. Drs. 
Hardage Lane and Thomas Barbour, both eminent physicians, Rev. Mr. 
Vancourt, a minister of the Episcopal church, William K. Titcomb, a 
member of the bar (and at a meeting of the brother members of the 



* This report was made by T. T. Gantt, L. M. Kennett, and Trusten Polk. 

The following gentlemen were appointed by the city council and mayor the Com- 
mittee of Public Health daring the existence of the cholera: — R. S. Blennerhasset, 
James Clemens, Jr., Trusten Polk, G. Thomas, A. B. Chambers, Isaac A. Hedges, J. M 
Field, L. M. Kennett. Lewis Bach, "VVilliam G. Clark, T. T. Gantt, and George Collier. 
Messrs. Clemens and Collier being unwell, H. L. Patterson and Thomas Dennis were 
appointed in their stead. 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 409 

profession, called in consequence of his decease, complimentary resolutions 
were passed), and many others occupying high social and business posi- 
tions. During the prevalence of the cholera, there died, but not of that 
malady, Rev. Whiting W. Griswold, rector of St. John's Church, a popular 
divine and exemplary Christian, Colonel McRee, of the United States 
army, and Sylvester Labadie, an amiable and worthy citizen, and a mem- 
ber of one of the ancient families of the city. At this time also died, 
from an attack of the cholera. Dr. Bernard G. Farrar, the oldest Amer- 
ican physician that came to St. Louis, after the transfer of the Prov- 
ince of Louisiana to the American government. 

At length St. Louis was relieved from the lengthened tribulation to 
which it had been subjected, and business, which had been neglected, 
began to receive some attention. The city, indeed, presented a forlorn 
aspect. The heart of its business destroyed by fire, and almost a tithe 
of its inhabitants swept away by the scourge, for a little period it exhibit- 
ed a picture ominous of an early death, and final ruin ; yet the city 
founded by the French trader could not die — it was too full of vitality. 
As soon as the cholera disappeared, the burnt district was again the scene 
of business import. Many buildings which had been commenced before, 
and which had been staid by the prevalence of the cholera, were again 
resumed, with many more, and soon, like the fabled bird of classic lore, 
a new class of buildings sprung into existence from the ashes of the old. 
The new buildings gave all the indications of progressive life. They 
were far more capacious than the old, possessing greater business conve- 
niencies, and were put up in a manner which would not ever again subject 
them to the same accident by fire — being made fire-proof. 

Fortunate in such a calamity, the property destroyed was principally of 
those who could bear the loss, and had means to build again. Though 
some of the insurance offices of the city failed, and could only pay a 
small pro rata of the insurance, there were others who cancelled every 
farthing of their obligations ; all of the foreign insurance was paid. 
Above two-thirds of the loss was covered by insurance, most of which 
was recovered. 

This year, as if to second the efforts of the enterprising inhabitants, 
who had determined not to be laid prostrate by the blow, and were again 
" up and doing," a beneficent Providence had sent bountiful crops, and 
the fertile field of the great western country was loaded with a plenteous 
harvest. This commenced to flow from every quarter into the port of St. 
Louis, and large supplies of goods were purchased by country merchants 
to supply the wants of their thrifty customers. Ere many months had 
passed away, the exsiccated currents of business returned to their former 
channels, with their currents swelled and increased, and every tributary 
quickened into increased motion and vitality. The pestilence and the 
conflagration, like the storms in nature, though carrying destruction in 
their course, and bringing ruin in special instances, yet resulted in the gen- 
eral good, and were productive of the most healthful influences. The 
widening of Main street, the improvement of the levee, the new and 
capacious buildings on the ruins of those consumed — all increased the 
business facilities of the city, and added to its embellishment. The pes- 
.tilence was the worst calamity. It entered the sensitive sphere of the 
affections, and there committed its ravages. It left the city in the sable 



410 THE GREAT WEST 



weeds of mourning; but to avoid a like result in the future, straightway 
were adopted more sanitary regulations for the city, and the system of 
sewerage was commenced in an eftectual manner, thereby securing the 
general health and adding to the general prosperity and happiness. 

This year the Pacific Railroad occupied much of the attention of the 
citizens of St. Louis. Some years before a project had been before Con- 
gress to build a national railroad to the Pacific, known as the Whitney 
Scheme, which had very properly been rejected by that body, though it 
had many friends. Since that time, the possession of California, and the 
immense immigration which had flocked to its borders since the discovery 
of its rich gold mines, had rendered the project of a national railroad to 
the Pacific much more feasible. To connect the Atlantic and Pacific 
oceans, so that Asia might be brought into close approximation to the 
eastern states, and that the east and west of the Union should be united 
both by railroad and magnetic telegraph, became a favorite idea of the 
people of St. Louis, and to effect this favorite measure, after frequent 
meetings, it was resolved to call a great mass convention to consider the 
expediency of a Great National Pacific Railway. The 15th of October 
was fixed for the convention, and invitations and notices were sent to the 
most prominent Citizens of the Union. On the 15th of October, the 
members chosen from the different states to represent their interest as- 
sembled in the court-house, and the meeting was called to order — Judge 
A. T. Ellis, of Indiana, being chosen to preside for the occasion. On the 
following day, the convention was organized, and the following gentlemen 
were elected to hold the offices of honor : — For president — Hon. Stephen 
A. Douglass of Illinois. For vice-presidents — -W. L. Totten, of Pennsyl- 
vania; Samuel Forrer, of Ohio ; Samuel Emison, of Indiana; Henry J. 
Eastin, of Kentucky; Hon. Joseph Williams, of Iowa; Charles Bracken, 
of Wisconsin ; Henry S. (ifeyer, of Missouri; John Biddle, of Michigan ; 
Amherst K. Williams, of New York ; and Hon. W. B. Scates, of Illinois. 
For secretaries — A. B. Chambers, of Missouri ; W. II. Wallace, of Iowa ; 
A. S. Mitchell, of Kentucky ; W. G. Minor, of Missouri ; and T. A. Stuart, 
of Illinois. 

The convention was attended by representatives from nearly every 
state in the' Union, some of them sending a large delegation. After 
much consultation, it was resolved by the convention that there was a 
necessity for such a road, and that the general government should build 
it. A committee was chosen to prepare an address to the people of the 
Union, urging their co-operation in influencing Congress to take effective 
action in the matter, and comply with the general wish. The gentlemen 
selected as the committee were Thomas Allen, of Missouri; William S. 
Wait, of Illinois; Oliver H. Smith, of Indiana; J. G. Law, of Ohio; 
Charles Naylor, of Pennsylvania; C. C. Lathrop, of Louisiana; James 
Clark, of Iowa ; A. K. Lawrence, of New York ; John Biddle, of Michi- 
gan ; M. F. Maury, of Virginia; W. F. Bouden, of Wisconsin; Basil 
Duke, of Kentucky ; Robert Chambers, of New Jersey ; and G. W. 
Lincoln, of Tennessee. 

The address prepared by the committee was a very able one, covered 
the whole ground of the practicability and advantages of the road, and 
was given a wide circulation by the press. It had the eft'ect of influencing 
the public mind in the right direction, and a great national highway to 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 411 

the Pacific ocean by railroad is still a favorite measure, and there is every 
indication that it will soon be eftected. The people of St. Louis were the 
first to make an effective movement in this great measure, and the mem- 
bers of the different states composing the convention were the guests of 
the city. 

This year the medical department of the St. Louis University, situated on 
the corner of Seventh and Myrtle streets, was built.* It is a magnificent 
structure, and owes its erection to the munificence of Colonel John 
O'Fallon. It is an ornament to the city, and is a splendid ofi'ering to the 
elevating purposes of progressive science. 

This year Louis A. Lebaume was elected assistant treasurer of the 
United States, and the gentlemen who endoised his bond, in their aggre- 
gate wealth, were worth more than five millions of dollars. We have 
alluded to this instance of individual fortune merely as evidence of the 
wealth of some of the citizens of St. Louis.f 

City life is ever liable to excitement. There is always somcthino- tran- 
spiring outside of the ordinary course of events, which serves to keep 
the public mind in the whirlpool of unhealthful and dangerous agitatioii. 
We will relate an event of this kind, occurring in St. Louis at the date 
under which we write. 

It was the close of the month of October when two gentlemen, with 
their hunting equipments and their dog, arrived at the City Hotel, corner 
of Third and Vine streets, then kept by Theron Barnum. They were 
dressed in hunting costume, and bore about them the unmistakable in- 
dications of foreigners. They applied to Mr. Kirby Barnum, a nephew 
of the proprietor, for accommodations, and, after some objection on their 
parts to some apartments that were shown them, they were finally domi- 
ciled, and became guests of the hotel. Between them and Mr. Kirby 
Barnum there had been some disagreement, first regarding their rooms, 
and afterward concerning a favorite dog the travellers had with them. 
There was no tpen rupture, however, and it was proved upon the tiial 
that the deportment of the strangers was exemplary, and that they kept 
aloof from the other guests of the hotel, and remained comparatively 
isolated. There was something strange, however, about their movements, 
which provoked attention and elicited inquiry. This preamble is only 
given as a necessary introduction to the tragical scene, which we will now 
relate. 

On the evening of the 29th of October, Mr. Kirby Barnum retired to 
his room, in which was his room-mate, John McComber. lie threw off 
his coat, and was in the act of winding up his watch, when he saw a 

* This well known medical organization sprang into existence in 184:1, principally 
through the exertions ot J. W. Hall of North Carolina, Dr. James V. Prather of Ken- 
tucky, and Dr. A. Prout of Alabama. Soon after the organization, the building was 
commenced on Washington Avenue, adjoining the St. Louis University propert}'. The 
professors consisted of the above-named gentlemen, and through their invitation, Dr. 
Charles A. Pope of Alabama, Joseph G. Norwood of Indiana, and M. L. Linton ot 
Kentucky, came to assist their professional labors, and made part of the first faculty. 
The biiilding was erected througli the continued exertions of Drs. Hall and Prather, 
and these gentlemen, from their private purse, purchased many of the outtits essential 
to the Medical College, so that it could go at once into successful operation. 

f The gentlemen who went on the bond, were James Lucas, Colonel John OTallou, 
Louis A. Benoist, and William L. Ewing. 
19 



412 THE GREAT WEST 



man armed with a gun skulkinor along the piazza fronting his window. 
He liurriedly told the circumstance to his room-mate, who sprang from 
his bed, and made to the door, followed by Mr. liarnum, but the latter fell 
headlong in the hall as he reached the door-sill, from a shot fired by the 
assassin through the window, which he had broken with the point of his 
gun previous to firing. The noise of the report aroused Mr. Albert Jones, 
who was in a room on the same fioor, who opened his door to ascertain 
the cause of the firing, when he was shot dead, and II. M. Henderson and 
Captain W. D. Unbbell, who were rooming with him, were both wounded, 
the former in the temple, and the latter in the hand. The whole house 
was almost instantly aroused ; for the startling cry of murder was shrieksd 
along the halls of the hotel, at the hour of midnight. 

Mr. Barnnm, though fatally wounded, was still conscious, and accused 
the smaller of the two Frenchmen — the strangers of whom we have be- 
fore spoken — as being the pt^rson who fired the shot. There was an im- 
mediate search for the supposed assassins, and one of the Frenchmen was 
arrested in the crowd which had thronged the hotel, and the other in his 
room, after a futile effort to use his gun. The excitement on the occasion 
had led nearly to the most serious consequences, and the incensed crowd 
talked of resorting at< once to sumuiary punishment, but the oflScers 
promptly conducted the prisoners to the jail, from which they were removed 
to the arsenal, so as to be under the protection of the United States troops. 

On the trial before the Criminal Court, some months afterwai'd, the 
following facts were elicited: — The prisoners were both French noblemen, 
and being known as faithful adherents to the royal cause, at the outbreak 
in Paris some months previous, which overthrew the Bourbon dynasty, 
and compelled the king to flee for his life, to escape imprisonment and 
probably death if they remained, embarked for the United States, intend- 
ing to remain until they could return to France in safety, jjeing passion- 
ately fond of hunting, they had come to the West, whose prairies at that 
time were most prolific in game, so as to indulge in that favorite amuse- 
ment ; and had reached St. Louis provided with all the accoutrements 
suitable for their purpose, each travelling in a buggy. It was proved also 
that the two Frenchmen were named (ionsalve and Raymond Montes(|uieu, 
and were scions of a noble family, and that the eldest of the two brothers, 
Gonsalve Montesquieu, by his own confession, fired the shots, alleging that 
"God made him do it!" It was also proved that insanity was hereditary 
in the family, Jiis father having committed suicide, leaving a letter say- 
ing tliat he was involved in pecuniary difliculties, when his fortune left 
exceeded four millions of francs ; that Gonsalve had also frequently ex- 
hil)ited indications of an unbalanced intellect, and that one of his brothers 
in France had been confined in a hospital for the insane. 

In the first trial of the pi'isoners, the jury could not agree; at the 
second trial, Gonsalve was acquitted on the ground of insanity.* Raymond 
was shown to be innocent. There can be no doubt but that Gonsalve 
had borne within him the elements of that species of latent insanity that 
only develops itself under pecidiar circumstances — when some potent 
agencies call into life and actioi» the maddening power, which like a demon 

* Tlie elder Montesquieu, on liLs return to France, became a confirmed niani le, and 
was conlined in au Insane Asylum. 



i 



AND HEE COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 413 

assumes the sway of unfortunate individuals, and drives them to the com- 
mission of acts for which they are neither morally nor legally responsible. 
During the very year that the unfortunate catastrophe occurred at the 
City Hotel, the Bank of the State of Missouri lost from its vaults the 
enormous sum of one hundred and twenty thousand dollars. That it was 
stolen there was no doubt; but who the person or persons were who 
committed the larceny will ever be a matter of speculation. One of the 
bank ofHcers, who had resigned his position a little time before the dis- 
covery of the fraud, was charged with the otfence, arrested, tried, and, 
after a protracted trial, acquitted. 

CONCLUSION. 

Since 1850, the population of St. Louis has almost trebled. Previous 
to that time, its march had been progressive ; but tlien it took colossal 
strides, and its advance in wealth and population exceeded all business 
calculation, and the expectations of its most sanguine friends. The seven 
great railway stems, which make the great metropolis a terminus, have 
given new business facilities. They run, in their thousands of miles' course, 
through the richest section of country on the globe, and St. Louis is the 
natural recipient of their freights. It is owing principally to these roads 
that the wealth, population, and business of St. Louis have advanced with 
such unparalleled rapidity ; and year by year, branches are being added 
to these main stems, which, like railicals, are extending into new regions, 
contracting new vigor, and increasing the elements of vitalitv. 

St. Louis has a location which has been so bountifully fashioned l)y 
nature, that there is nothing left to wish for in the way of natural ad- 
vantages. Situated almost midway on the course of the "Father of 
Waters," she has all the advantages of the northern and southern trade ; 
the immense and rapidly-increasing commerce of the great Missouri falls 
naturally into her lap; and the Illinois, flowing through its rich prairies, 
flows onward to the favored city, and lands its rich freights upon her 
levee. She has still more advantages, which make more certain the 
brilliancy of the future. All of the immense regions now lying in their 
primitive wildncss, and uninhabited, will gradually be cultivated and 
populated, and their trade uuist from gravitating causes tend to St. Loui.s, 
and for hundreds of years this immense country, exceeding the limits of 
the Union east of the Mississippi, must, will be most prolific in the ele- 
ments of its advancement. 

One more paragraph, and we have closed. Eighty-six miles from St. 
Louis are inexhaustible mines of iron, found in all the varieties uf that 
mineral, suitable for every manufacture, and so abundant, that they are 
capable of supplying the whole globe for centuries. The lead mines are 
equally as numerous, prolific, and convenient, and inexhaustible coal-beds 
are in the immediate vicinity of the great city. These are the great ele- 
ments of manufacture which exist about it, which are fast assuming a 
practical appearance, and which, in all the manufactures of which lead 
and iron are the principal constituents, must make St. Louis the greatest 
manufacturing city in the Union. With a rich back-country, with facilities 
of building to any extent, her natural advantages, her rivers, her railroad.s, 
and manufactories, she can fear no rival, and must always be the em- 
porium of trade and the metropolis of the Mississippi Valley. 



414 THE GREAT WEST 



The following is a corrected list of delegates to tlie convention, which we have 
given, that there may be a record of tlieir enterprise in this great measure : 

MISSOURI. 
Andrew — B. M. Atherton. 

Btnton — Jno. M. Staley, R. C. Henry, Peter Everett. 

Bo(me—T)T. W. McClure, P. Crow, M. S. Matthews, R. L. Todd, Dr. H. M. Clarkson, 
"W. F. Switzler, J. W. Harris, Dr. McCelland, G. S. Tuttle, J. K. McCabe, B. S. Grant, 
Dr- J. B. Thomas. 

Buik-r—Dv. "V. M. Capp. 

Caloivuy — John Gibson, Robert Stevens, A. Masters. 

Cape Girardeau — J. W. Russell, Jas. McLean, W. H. McLean, John Albert, J. H. 
Kimmel, (Charles A. Davis. 

Carroll — \V. W. Conipton (invited by committee.) 

C/iuntoJi— Sterling Price, J. M. Davis, M. R. C. Pulliam, C. J. Terrill, Charles Der- 
rickson. 

Clay — Joel Turnham, iferit Tillery, Dr. Ball, John Riugo, David Crossdall, Henry 
Mail, Dr. Wood, Coleman Younger. 

Clinton — James H. Birch, John T. Hughes. 

Cole — Governor Austin, .\. King, T. L. Price, W. G. Minor, G. C. Medley, P. G. 
Glover, A. P. Richardson, W. A^anover, (ieorge W. Hough, Charles R. Moller, James 
L. Minor, Walter King, Enos B. Cordell, Jno. W. Wells, 11. C. Ewing, E. L. Ewing. 

Cooper — F. W. G. Thouias, John Miller, Benjamin Tompkins, David Spharr, John H. 
Price, M. W. Mack, E. B. McPlierson, John Porter, W. H. Trigg, S. B. Hocker, Lewis 
Bendell, Dr. A. Kukleham, Truman Hicko.x. 

Craivford — J. B. Brinker, D. Singleton, B. Whittemburg, William James, Dr. W. C. 
Williams, Jas. Pease, B. Wishon. 

Franklin — C. F. Jetl'rics, Charles Jones, C. B. Inge, E. Butler, John Q. Dickenson, 
George Hurst, C. R. JeftVies, Thomas Mitchell, W. Musick, Jonathan AV. Jones, Field- 
ing Sappington, B. Weiherford, l']dward F. Brown, T. R. Lewis, J. M. Ming, .Folm D. 
Stevenson, James Hallegacn, Pierce Butler, James R. Roberts, Green Terry, Martin 
Crow, Francis Baker, William North, Samuel Simons, Samuel Massey, George N. 
Nickols, Henry King, J. H. Jameson, F. J. North, J. W. Reynolds, W. R. Vanover, 
E. W. Murpliy. K Arcullarius, Lewis Reyn, John F. Mentz, Andrew Cochrane, John 
R. Brown, David Robertson, C. B. Hinton, Bishop Sheldon, S. Rucker, W. C. Builey, 
J. B. Brown. 

Gasconade — James Arrote, J. 0. Sitton, F. Kempf, Christoph Moller, John B. Har- 
rison, J. Lessell. 

Greene— C. E. Fisher, P. R. Smith. 

Iloiuard — Thomas Jack.son, J. B. Clark, A. J. Herndon, A. Cooper, W. D. Swainey, 
W.G. Chiles, J. M. Feagle, T. M. Davis, John W. Payne. 

Jackson — Major Rickman, J. R. Palmer, William Singleton, M. Leonard, T. Slaugh- 
ter, Captain J. W. Reid. 

Jefferson — William S. Howe, Falkland H. Martin, J. Richardson, T. C. Fletcher, P. 
Pipkin. 

/.a/a2/t'«e— John F. Ryland, T. M. Ewing, William Shields, W. S. Field, B. B. Wil- 
son, M. W. Flournoy, W. J. Mackeshaw, George A. Rise, J. J. Burtis, T. F. Atkinson, 
George Young, Foster Smitii, S. T. Tyree, Levi Blackwell, W. A. Harrison, R. M. AuU. 

Lewis — \{. F. Hughes. 

Lincoln — Francis Parker, G. W. Huston, James H. Britton, Dr. Wilmot, John W. 
McKee, B. W. Hammock, Dr. Bell, R. B. Allen, W. Porter, H. A. Fisher, W. B. 
Allen. 

Madison — J. C. Berryman, Samuel Calbert, T. L. Sullivan, D. Arnott, Caleb Case, 
S. U. (iuigon, S. Caruthers, J. Ronald, B. Jl. Prevvit, H. Preston, B. Nail, James Hick- 
man, J. B. Grigsbey. 

Marion— i:. R. Selmers, C. H. Bower, R. W. Moss, John Fry, A. B. Webb, J. F. 
Buchanan, T. Miller, Thomas "Van Swearinger, R. F. Richmond, Dr. Faulkner, B. E. 
Ely, Colonel B. Davis, Dr. A. F. Jeter, Dr.'Clufl; Z. G. Draper, W. M. Cook, E. M. 
Moffett, J. P. Ament. 

Mississippi — Hiram Pearson, Major Sa3'ers. 

Moniteau — L. L. Woods, P. H. Templeman, J. Parish, A. Lacey. 

Nsiu Madrid — W. S. Mosely. 



AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 415 

Osage — Dr. B. Bruns, "William Thermann. 

Pike — J. S. Markley, Edwin Draper, G. B. Crane, E. C. Maury, M. Givens, B. F. 
Todd, J. C. Jackson, Jamea 0. Broadiiead. Peter Carr, Dr. W. Gorin, Jolin B. Hender- 
son, James Alexander, John S. Markley, Robert Allison, Dr. William C. Herdon, (ieorge 
Todd, James McCord, T. J. C. Fagg, Julien C. Jackson, A. J. Landrum, Dr. J. G. Flagg, 
"W. Block. 

Platte — John E. IMtt, M. Birnej', John W. Vineyard, John Holladay, F. Cockerill, 
Robert Snell, John B. Dumay, John Doniphan, J. L. Thompson, James McKowen. 

Polk — R. K. Acock, J. H. Lindsay, A. J. Hurnover. 

Hulh — Richard Boyer, James Buford, W. H. Atchison, James H. Lampton, E. W. 
Southworth. 

Pay — John W. Martin, John Hendley, James B. Jener, E. A. Lewis, T. L. D. W. 
Shaw, Messrs Morrison, Gantt and Tibbs. 

Peynolcls — W. Edminson (invited by committee.) 

St. Charles— R. B. Frazier, G. 0. 'Libley, J. J. Johns, B. A. Alderson, Dr. W. P. 
Mcllhenny, A. Le P'aiore, J. Gallaher, jr., C. Rice. J. W. Redmon, C. M. Johnson, 
Robert P'rayser, D. K. Pitman, Dr. J. Tally, C. F. Fant. Captain Campbell, W. C. Lind- 
say, R. F. Kenner, T. A. Barwise, I. A. Dick, W. D. Fielding, N. Bateman, W. M. 
Christy, F. Yosti, S. Keithly, C. Cole, A. T. Woidle, H. Bangs, IL Pitman, D. Griffith, 
A. Angert, Henry Hatcher, J. H. Pitts, L. Overall, L. Gill, Dr. Diflendaffer, C. F. 
Wood.son, G. W. Whitney, A. Luckett. 

St. Clair— II. D. McCullok, Mr. Beatman, Mr. Bullock, C. P. Bullock, W. Crow. 

St. Francois — John Cobb, John S. Primm, Milton Poslon, J. P. Smith, G. Wood, Dr. 
W. C. Ashburn, John J. Perry. 

Saline — G. C. Bingham (invited b}- the committee). 

Wuijne — H. B. Barnhart, L. H. Flinii, T. C. Cattron. 

Montgomery — J. Baker, B. Bishop, Rev. R. Bond, Benjamin Sharp. 

Clark— \y. Bishop, T. D. Ford, J. N. Lewis, J. M. Charles, F. Bartlett, J. T. John- 
son, W. Bosworth, A. Maxwell. 

Cape Girardeau — Joseph W. Russell, Robert Brown, H. H. M. Williams, Lsaiah Poe, 
R. A. Martin, William E. McGuire, Thomas B. English, J. S. Williams, G. F. Daugh- 
ert)', William W. Horrell, H. S. McFarland, (Charles A. Davis, George W. Ferguson, 
S. H. Kimmell, William A. McLane, Simeon I'mglish, Aaron Snider, George W. Snider, 
Wiley Stotler, E. West, Wm. R. Dawson, John Albert, James McLean. 

Laclede — M. C. Hawkins, B. B. Harrison, B. Hooker. 

Washington — P. Cole, M. Fri.ssel, William Bryant, John Tuttle, George Creswell, Mr. 
Trimble, J. D. Johnson, Israel McGreed}-, F. Desloge, S. P. Springer, L. W. Harrison, 
John Evans, N. Aubuchon, J. G. Bryan, C. D. Ferryman, John Perry, M. Wingo. 

Scott — W. P. Darncs, Dr. A. S. Henderson, Albion Crow, J. C. Myers, Abram Hun- 
ter, Colonel F. G. Allen, John Moore, John W. Oaks, W. I'^wing. 

Warren — H. Griswold, F. Morsey, J. S. Jones, fl. Pritchett, J. A. PuUiam, R. Pitzer, 
C. A. Kuntze, J. Prummons, T. Collum, J. M. McFaden, L. Eversmann, Dr. A. Powell, 
Dr. Anderson, T. J. Marshall, J. Presion, W. Smith, A. F. (jrass, C. T. Archer, R L. 
Allen, G. C. Barez, J. A. Lack, J. B. Davis. M. S. Pringle, R. Houston. G. W. Wright, 
J. S. Wyalt, Dr. H. Wright, N. P. Stephenson, A. Welch, W. H. Harrison. A. Wyatt. 

St. Charles-^. Bateman, J. W. Redtnon, W. S. Overall, J. A. Tally, B. R. Pittz, 

C. M. Johnson, James Green, James Galaher, William J. Mcllhaney, F. Yosti, Samuel 
Keithly, James M. Campbell, J. J. Johnson, W. M. Christy, D. K. Pitman, Charles Fant, 
H. Pitman, J. A. Dick, Thomas Baruz, A. Angest, G. C. Sibley, P. Gill, Daniel Griffith, 
H. Bangs, M. N. Dittendaffer, B. A. Alderson, A. Lefevre, Robert Frasier, G. S. Whit- 
ney, H. Hatcher, W. D. Fielding, W. C. Lindsey, A. T. Widle, R. F. Kener, C. Cole, 
John Orrick. 

ST. LOUIS DELEGATION. 

First Ward — R. S. Blennerhassett, David B. Hill, Edward Ilaren, William R. Price, 

D. D. Mitchell. 

Second Ward — George R. Taylor, Archibald Gamble, Wilson Primm, John G. Shel- 
ton, Mann Butler, jr. 

Third Ward — Edward Bates, Henry S. Geyer, A. L. Mills, J. B. Crockett, Samuel 
Treat. 

Fourth Ward — James H. Lucas, William Robb, John M. Krum, G. B. Allen, John 
Howe. 



41 G THE GREAT WEST 



Fifth Ward — Alexander Hamilton, Truslen Polk, John B. Gibson, Robert Catlicart, 
Archibald Carr. 

Sixth Ward — Henry Holmes, T. M. Post, J. T. S\vearin>jcn, Isaac H. Sturgeon, 
Calvin Case. 

Comity — John K. "Walker, James H. Castello, George M. Moore, Frederick Hyatt, 
William F. Berry, Henry Walton, James Sutton, James McDonald, Hamilton R. 
Gamble, Alton Long, Judge Higgins, Henry McCuUough, John B. Bogert, Peregrine 
Tippett. Zciio Mackey, John Sappington, Peter 1). Barada, "William Milburn, H. M. 
Shruvo, G. W. Goode, Dr. A. Front, H\)gli Garland, William M. McFlier.son, Miron Leslie, 
John Barnes, L. A. Lebaume, R. S. Klliott, Dr. Penn, F. M. ilaiglit, iM. Blair, L. M. 
Kennett, Thomas Allen, Thomas B. Hudson, M. Tarver, Henry Kayser, A. B. Ciiam- 
bers, R. Phillips, John 0' Fallon, l<:dward Wal.-h, John F. Darby, J. M. Field, 
G. K. Budd, N. K. Cormany, John Loughborough, Charles G. Bamsej-, John B. 
Meyer, John Withnell, George L. Lackland, 'J'. T. (jantt, Tiiomas D. Yeats, Samuel 
Gaty, 0. D. Filley, A. Ohlliausen, "V^. Staley, James G. Barry. 

at. GtnevHwc — Lewis V. Bogy, Auguste St. Gemme, Felix St. Gcmme, F. Valle, 
Gustave St. James. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

William .J. Totten, N. B. Craig, George Darsie, George Ogden, J. K. Mooiiiead, T. W. 
Roberts, Charles Naylor, T. J. Bigham, G. K. Warren, James May, D. Wiimarth, James 
Wood, W. M. Lyon, W. M. Temple, W. McCaudless, R. H. Kerr, William Phillips, 
J. H. Reed. 

NEW YORK. 

Hon. Amherst K. Williams, of St. Lawrence county. 



Henry Stoddard, S. Forrer, J. C. Lowe, H. Van Tuyl, John W. Van Cleeye, D. W. 
Deshler", W. Whiteley, J. H. Sulliyan. 



Hon. A. T. Ellis, Samuel Kmison, R. G. McClure, H. D. Wheeler, A. Simpson, W. 
Simpson, A. B. McKee, W. G. Foulks, Abram Smith. Pierre Pichardyille, John Kmison, 
Samuel Wise, Charles C. Smith, L. L. Boyer, William Miller, \\illiam Patterson, Wn). 
T. Scott, L. L. Watson, Ben. P. Wheeler, James T. Alexander, and W. R. McCord, of 
Knox county. 

Vigo County — Hon. R. W. Thompson, James T. MoOatt, T. J. Bourne, Charles Wood, 
W. N. Hamilton, W. B. Warren, W. W. Williams, Jacob H. Hagar, Charles Crult, 
W. K. Kd wards. 

Dearborn County — Servetus Tufts. 

Marion County — Hon. Oliyer H. Smith. 

Tijppecanoe County — Hon. Albert S. White. 



Sullivan County — John H. O'Boyle. 
Franklin County — Rufus Raymund. 
Greene County — R. H. Rousseau. 



KENTUCKY. 



Paducah — L. M. Floumoy, Capt. J.F.Harris. 
Henderson County — Henry J. Kastin. 
Louisville — T. P. ShalVner, T. C. McClure. 



Jersey City — G. Hulmo. 

Scott County — B. Duke, Capt. J. Harper. 

Frankfort — A. S. Mitchell. 



Cook County— S. A. Douglas.s, P. Maxwell, Thomas A. Stewart, H. A. Clark, S. A. 
Lowe, Thomas Hoyne, James Pollock, M. Wright, William M. Hall, John R. Livings- 
ton, Governor Wells, Dr. Kagan, Mr. Doyle. 

Handulplt — J. P. Ovvings, D. Kelly, Jacob Feaman, S. S. Frain, Dr J. S. Curie, R. E. 
Morrison, G. Morri.son. 

Morgan — J Gordon, W. Dean. 

Schuyler — G. Terry. 

Scott County — C. C. Perry, E. Bogardus. Thomas Hollowbush, James Williams. 

Morgan County — Judge Dalton, Rev. F. Stevenson, W. Stevenson, W. N. Ross, D. 
Hue}-, John W. Kvans. 

Will County — W. E. Little, R. S. Higgins. 



AND IIKR COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 417 

Chirk Countij — J. K. Greenough, Stephen Archer, A. Sliaw, William Montgonieiy, 
H. P. H. Browtiell James Welsh. 

Pike County — J. S. Roberts, J. M. Parker, W. Rosa, B. F. Spencer, J. .1. C*,)llard, 
P. N. 0. Thoiiipson, C. D. Higbee, R. E. Hicks, Alexis Mudd, D. B. Bush, John 
Shasted, A. Starrow, K. D. Whitnej', G. 0. Bush}', F. Jennings, Mont Blair, Thomas 
Digby, J. Klein, jr., M. Kdvvards, John Shyster, Henry T. Mudd, John Tooloy, M. Ross. 

liiclihirid County — John Allen, F. Biuce, A. H. Baird, G. F. Powers, Henry Barney, 
Samuel St. John, H Barney, J. ToUiver, J. M. Rank, Mclntyre Ryan, C. Chihb, II. L. 
Carson, J. May, Perry Heaston, John 1-tiint, N. U. Jay, A. 6. Bmford, M C. McClain, 
Andrew Lowry, James Starr. Albert Burdon, G. Hurlsell, John Bruer, J. Mooro. 

Fulton County — R. R. McDowell, A. (J. Thompson, J. L. Sharpe, J. Kuykendall, 
Thomas Majiles, S. H. Pilkin, J. G. Davidson, Amos Smith, Lyman Moore, Frank Foster, 
F. J. Porter, Tliomas Risicj', J. G. Davidson. 

Madison County — Hon. L. Trumbull, Hon. N. Pope, Hon. R. Smilh, Judge Bailliache, 
M. G. Atwood, J. E. Starr, B. F. Snyder, Dr. L. S. Metcalf, J. C. Keteham, Charles 
Skillman, Dr. B. K. Hart, S. Y. McMasters, T. M. Hope, C. Stiggleman, E. Keating, 
C. W. Hunter. S. A. Buckmaster, J. R. Thomas, O. M. Adams, E. L. Dimmock, D. A. 
Spaulding, L Kellenbergcr, .James Semple, B. F. Lotig, A. Breatli, H. W. AVood, C. A. 
Murray, H. Wood, R. Fergu.i^on, John Ash, L. B. Parson, James Sline, William Martin, 
H. B. Bowman, George T. Brown, S. F. Choat, H. W. Billings, J. L. Pierce, J. W. 
Schweppe, 0. Brown, N. Johnson, Dr. C. Smith, T. P. Woodridge, AV. T. Miller, 11. 
Flagg, I. Scarritt, C. E. Blood, Chailes Trumbull, L. Wosonor, II. P. Hulbert, F. t! id- 
dings, Joim Quigiey, A. Tufl'ts, S. B. Caals, P. Tuft'ts, J. G. Lamb, J. J. Mitchell, S. 
Wise, H. L. Baker," A. S. Barney, S. Wait, John AUi.son, N. D. Sweeney, Dr. G. T. 
Allen, A. Jvidd, C. BJakeman, J. Sjjjes, A. L. Saimders, J.Wilson, B. C. Stanton, ,T. W^. 
Coventry, J. Tliornbuigh, D. Morrell, S. Carlton, J. \V. Jeffries, R. Parker, J. Wilson, 
J. Ferguson, S. H. Mudgc, William McKean, A. (i. Ncal, W. B. Graham, N. Eno.s, H. 
Reimacks, L. B. Cornian. F. M. Lytle, George Churchill, John Bradey, John Wood, J S. 
Dewej', J. R. Swain, Thomas Judy, J. A. Barnsback, Thomas Smith, James Biown, W. 
Jarvis, M. Jilton, J. Taylor, W. F. Provincs, J. C. Edwards, A. C. Rondaiett, J. Padon, 
Dr. J. (Jatcs, J. K. McMaiion, W. H. Smiley, Joseph Shader. 

Alton, Madison County — C. H. Fox, L. J. Clawson, E. D. Topping. 

Pike County — William P. Harpole, Alexis Mudd, John S. Ball. 

Monroe Countij — J. B. Needles, W. C. Starkie, E. Omelvany, Thomas Quick, C. 
Crocker, H. Ilolcomb, J. Morrison, E. P. Rogers, J. A. Reid, T. Winstanly, T. Single- 
ton, A. Durfee, C. Henckler, T. Henckler, J. A. Gilley, Bradley Rust, Lewis James, J. 

A. Talbott, C. H. Priesker, George Trick, J. Saurs, H. Null, P. Wehrheim, Henry 
Lower, Henry Prusber. 

White County — William H. AVilson. 

St. Clair County — P. K. Fleming. J. Winstanly, D. Hopkins, E. Abend, William 
Snyder, Julius Wrii^lit, M. Phelps, W. Singleton, J. Knoble, Samuel Thrift, Benjaniiu 
J. Smith, W. Westield, G. M. Bowles, L. D. Cabana, C. Alexander, J. U. Hughes, 
George C. Hart. 

Clay County — Arthur McCanly. 

From the Stale at Lar(/e — J. P. Cooper, of Clarke ; J. McDonald, Fayette ; C. F. 
Keener, Scott; A. H. Grass, Lawrence; Z. Casej% JetVerson; R. Yate.n, Morgan; Vi. 

B. W^arren, do.; H. T. Pace, Jeil'er.son; W. B. Scate.s, do.; A. Eads, J. Davies. 
Marion County — LIriel Mills, J. S. Martin, G. W. Haynie, William < reen, G. W. Pace, 

T. B. Lester, 11. F. Hamlin, B. F. Marsliall, Thomas Easton, Emory Wooter. 

Pond County — Benjamin Johnson, N. Levertier, P. W. Lamkin, W. Watkins, G. 
Stevenson, William S. Wait, A. Berrie, J. M. Gilmore. John Leverton, F. Ricliey, J. 
Gilmore, A. Bowman, James McGehe}', Isaac Roark, Lemuel I'lant. 

McPonouyh County — H. Agers, J. I*;. Jackson, A N. Ford. 

Jersey County — W. Casey, II. 0. Goodrich, J. Duncan, Z. H. Adams, C. A. Knapp, 
Dr. Veitch, R. V. Baugh, Dr. J. 0. Hamilton. 

Cass County— U. E. Dannner, R. S. Thomas, E. R. Saunders, W. A. Turpin. 

Lafayette County — A. Dikeman, William C. Greenup, E. Griffith, N. M. McCurdy, 
H. C Waterman, R. A. Phillip.s. 

Lawrence County— V,. T. Ryan, S. H. Clubb, H. Seed, T. J. McDonell, E. D. Em- 
mons, J. Thompson, C. H. Naff, C. Durkce, N. M. Keesemar, T. Spencer, E. C. Banks, 
N. Norton, A. J. AVaruer, AUred Gras.s, jr., F. Coat, V. B. Buchanan. 



lis THE GREAT WEST 



Cumberland County — A. J. Freeman, William Freeman, Reuben Stinson, John 
Shook, Steplien Waite. 

Craivfvrd County — G. "W. Smith, A. Norsworthy, J. B. Trimble, "William Barber, jr., 

A. G. Markley, J. W. Wilson, J. D. Smith. 

Effingham 'Cuuntij — H. L. Smith, Henry, Fisher. 

Rock Island County— W. Bracket!, P. A. Whittaker, J. K. Corker, A. K. Phileo, 
Jacob Norris. 

Wa7-ren County — J. W. Davidson, John Brown. 

Ada77is — J. P. Erskiue, J. B. Young, C. A. Savage, J. W. Hallowbush, P. Cleve- 
land, J. H. Luce, C. Howland, T. Redmond, J. B. Morgan, H. Asbury, J. C. Woodruff, 
Andrew Wood, S. P. Church, J. D. Moore, S. B. Hofiman, G. Holmes, J. H. Beasy, 

B. Colhns. 

Clinton— R. S. Bond. M. Stiles. 
Coles — J. D. Van Deren. 

IOWA. 

Lee County — John A. Graham, Colonel Samuel R. Curtis, D. W. Kilbourne, General 
V. P. Van Antwerp, G. Wells, J. W. Rankin, W. G. Anderson, L. E. H. Houo-hton, 
Sam\iel Walker, H. H. Beldiii, Robert Pope, G. Lewis, F. Wright, P. D. Foster, T. G. 
Williams, J. Webster, James H. Cowles. 

Des Moines — H. W. Starr, J. G. Edwards, J. F. Fletcher, Dr. Graham, Isaac Baggs, 
T. S. Cordis, P. Mertz, W. B. Reemey, James Clark, Governor J. Clarke, W. Walker, H. 
Moore, B. C. Armstrong, S. S. Runson, J. E. Darst, J. H. Hughes, R. Pope. 
Davi-^—3. B. Peach. 1 Folk— J. Gilkey. 

Madison — W. Compton. | Henry — Hon. W Thompson. 

Wapello— J. Williams, H. B. Hendershot, T. J. Devin. 

Jefferson— B. Henk, R. Erwin, Culonel W. H. Walner, W. H. Lyons. 

Jones — Joseph A. Hunt, G. H. Walworth. 

Van Buren — D. Smith, A. McDonald, S. MlUington. 

Dee— A. Hamlin, L. E. John.son, W. L. McGavie, J. W. Taylor, J. L. Curtiss, T. 
Fitzpatrick, L. R. Reeves. V,. KHbourne, Dr. McMurtry, C. Stewart. 

Muscatine — Judge J. Williams, Pliny V-ay, N. M. McCormack, Adam Ogilvie, Joseph 
A. Green, J. Butler, Stephen Nye, Legrand Morehouse. 

Dubuijue — H. C. Fellows, Peter Waples. 

Johnson — H. D. Downy, G. D. Parmer, E. Morris, Dr. H. Murry. 

"WISCONSIN. 

Lafayette County — Edward Vaughn, William M. Boudoin, Charles Bracken. 
Dane County — A. R. Murray. ' 

MICHIGAN. ] 

Detroit — John Biddle, 

LOUISIANA. 

Keiv Orleans — C. C. Lathrop. 

TENNESSEE. 

Shelby County — G. W. Lincoln, E. Hickman, S. Fance, J. C. Carroll. 
Memphis — A. S. Caldwell, W. T. Avery. 




PETEE LINDELL, ESQ. 



(p. 419.) 



KNOK.VKO KXPBESSLT .OK THIS WOKK KKOM A .HOTOCHAPH BV ..OWN. 



PETER LINDELL. 

Peter Lindell was born March 24, 1776, in Worcester county, Mary- 
land. He is of English origin ; for his grandfather who bore the same 
name, having obtained a grant of land located in Maryland, imigrated to 
the United States, and, locating himself on his grant, was many years en- 
gaged in rendering the soil suitable for agricultural purposes. He lived 
to an advanced age ; and one of his sons, John Lindell, came by descent 
in possession of this tract of land, and was looked upon as the most skil- 
ful farmer in that portion of the country. He was the father of the 
subject of this memoir, and raised a large family of children. He died at 
the advanced age of seventy-six. 

Peter Lindell spent — like most others who lived at that early time, and 
whose parents had good farms — his early years in work upon the farm. 
He went to school, to be sure ; but the i-egular schoolmaster was not abroad 
in that portion of the country, and the people would often induce some 
itinerant clock peddler from Yankeedom, to forego his usual vocation, and 
adopt that of the pedagogue. It is not to be wondered at when schoolmas- 
ters were thus chosen, that the pupils would remain ignorant of the fun- 
damental principles of their language. Between going to schools of this 
cast and working upon the farm of his father, he reached the age of 
twenty-one, and possessing a large share of self-reliance, he immediately 
commenced business for himself. He kept a little store in the country, 
believing that a commercial life, and that too with less of servitude, led 
more directly to afHuence than the slow profits which had then to satisfy 
the industrious farmer. He remained four years engaged with his store, 
and seeing that the vast tide of emigration was flowing westward, he de- 
termined to follow the current, although his first eftbrts had been attended 
with vast success. He was not satisfied, for he did not see his locality 
filling up with a vigorous growth of new settlers, which alone could bring 
wealth to the neighborhood, and insure a fortune to those engaged in 
commercial pursuits. L)rawing these logical conclusions, he wound up 
his business in Maryland, and started for the West. 

Some time in 18U8, Peter Lindell stopped at Pittsburgh, the only town 
west of the Alleghany Mountains that oftered, at that time, any induce- 
ments for commercial enterprise. There he commenced the life of an itin- 
erant merchant, trading on a boat at the various localities between that 
place and Louisville. Laying in an assortment of goods suitable to the 
wants of the people at the different locations at which he traded, he was 
soon doing a most thriving business. He received no money for his 
goods, that article in the western wilds being seldom seen, but he received 
in exchange, furs, peltries, hemp, and tobacco, with which he could pur- 
chase a new supply of merchandise, or sell for money, at his option. 



422 PETEK LINDELL. 

In two years, finding that his business throve, even beyond his most 
sanguine expectations, Peter Liiidell sent for John Linddl, one of his 
brothers, that he might assist him in his hxbors, and whom he could in- 
struct in a pursuit that had ah'eady proved so profitable. In due time, 
John arrived, and he was initiated in all the mystei-ies of a trader's life 
at that period, and the business soon reached a greater magnitude than 
ever, and yielded larger returns. The name of Lindell was well known 
on the Ohio River, and he was anxiously looked for by the pioneers who 
inhabited its rich banks for the purposes of trade. 

After John had been with him some time — and fortune still continu- 
ing to smile upon his etiorts— he sent for another brother by the name of 
Jesse, that he too might become a reaper in a field whi"bh yielded so 
plentiful a harvest. He extended his business with the assistance of his 
brothers, and in his trading voyages, hearing of the natural advantages 
of St, Louis, he determined to quit the life of a general trader on the 
river, and settle himself as a merchant in a toww, whose brilliant prospects 
for the future, promised so much success to the early citizen who made 
judicious investments. In 1811 he came to St. Louis, and commenced 
keeping store on Main street. 

The houses at that period, with but few exceptions, were little log cabins, 
the interstices being filled with lime and plastered withir,, making a warm 
but small and inconvenient dwelling; and Peter Lindell, a little while 
after his advent, astonished the inhabitants by building three brick houses, 
which, for a little while, were the wonder of the place, and the era of brick 
building in St. Louis. His business in the new and growing town, grew 
and increased yearly ; and he was soon known as one of the most enter- 
prising merchants of the place. 

At that early day, not even a steamboat had floated on the "Father of 
Waters," and the merchant when he went East to purchase goods, had to 
perform the fatiguing journey of more than a thousand miles on horse- 
back. In one of these expeditions, an event occurred which had nearly 
a tragical termination ; and as it serves to illustrate the character of those 
early times, and gives an insight into the nature of the subject of this 
sketch, we will relate it. While journeying to one of the Eastern cities, 
Peter Lindell was accompanied by the late John Collier, and one night 
they stopped at a little cabin at Shawneetown, Illinois. There were sev- 
eral men who were in the house, and among them was a desperado, who 
pursued the vagabond life of hunting for a subsistence. When he was not 
emplo3'ed in the chase, he was engaged in cursing, swearing, and fighting. 
Mr. Collier had had the misfortune to oftend this fellow, and when he and 
Mr. Lindell entered the door, this man was seated in the cabin. Imme- 
diately that his eyes glanced upon Mr. Collier, they glared like those 
of a basilisk, and a dark scowl darkened his features, giving to them the 
expression of a demon. He told Mr. Collier with a horrid oath, that he 
would kill him, and sallied from the cabin to procure a gun, that he 
might put in execution his murderous purpose. 

At that time, Peter Lindell was in the prime of a glorious manhood, 
with the strength of a bufialo, and the spirit to use it. He well knew 
the fiendish character of the ruflian, and he followed him from the cabin. 
When at a little distance, he upbraided him for his murderous purpose, 
and told him then and there to defend himself. He then commenced 



PETEK LINDELL. 423 



pouring upon him blows with the force of a sledge-hammer, and in less than 
two minutes the fellow was hors de combat,, and pounded into a jelly. 
This drubbing operation completely satisfied him, and lie no more threat- 
ened vengeance against Mr. Collier. 

After becoming a resident of St. Louis, Mr. Lindell, in conjunction 
with his commercial business, became extensively engaged in the pur- 
chase of landed estate, which at that time brought but a nominal price in 
comparison to its present value. He bought land and held it, and it was in 
consequence of not again selling it, that he is so extensive an owner in 
real estate at the present time. By that magical power with which some 
men appear to be invested, whatever he has touched has turned to money ; 
and so fortunate has he been in his efforts to amass a fortune, that in 1826 
he threw up his commercial pursuits, which had been his leading business. 
Since that time he has been out of the pale of the busy, bustling world, 
and dedicated himself to preserving that fortune which by industry he 
had garnered, when his body and spirit rejoiced in the exuberance incident 
to youth. The present generation know but little of him ; for neaily all 
who lived when he made a part of the active sphere of life, and helped to 
guide and direct its business currents, have paid the debt of nature, and 
cannot speak of the events with which Peter Lindell has been connected. 

From great wealth, which receives almost the universal homage of man- 
kind, the name of Peter Lindell is almost as well known in the city of 
St. Louis as that of the great river which sweeps by its levee ; but of his 
habits, and the natural gush of feeling which form his character and influ- 
ence his actions, they know but little. They see his property in every 
part of the broad circumference of the Mound City ; but of the owner, 
they cannot speak. We will relate an anecdote told us by one whom 
time has blanched, but not overthrown ; who knew him before his frame 
was weakened, and when his whole time was devoted to business. The 
narrative is thus : 

"There was a gentleman," says this narrator, "who during a money 
pressure was driven to great straits, and applied to me for counsel in his 
exigence. He had abundance of good paper in his possession, more than 
ten times the sum that was causing his disquietude, which was a note of 
some thousands of dollars held by the Bank of the State of Missouri, 
■which would be due in a few days. Should he not be able to take up the 
note, his credit would be gone forever, and all his bright prospects for the 
future would be a wreck. I knew but one man who could furnish the 
amount he required, and, moved by his distress, I volunteered my services, 
as I was intimate with the person that 1 knew had always money by him. 
I took from his papers a note for five thousand dollars, drawn and endor- 
sed by unexceptionable parties, to Peter Lindell, and told him the cir- 
cumstances that induced me to call upon him. Mr. Lindell replied that 
he had the money but it was designed for another purpose ; but on my 
again mentioning that without his interposition an honorable man would 
be eft'ectnally ruined, he drew me a check for the full amount, and when 
I signified my surprise, he told me, under no circumstances could he take 
from any individual more than ten per cent, interest. This is but one 
out of many instances," continued the gentleman who related to me the 
anecdote, " which I could point out, in which Peter Lindell has acted in 
the same manner." 



424 PETER LINDELL. 



We have peen how well Peter Lindell has acted the part of a relative, 
when he sent for two of his brothers, that they niitjht share with him the 
success which his judgment and industry had brought about; and when 
tbey were taken from their families by death, he at once assumed the du- 
ties of a father and protector. To him belongs the honor of starting the 
first packet to I'ittsburgh ; he was one of the corporators and directors of 
the old Missouri Insurance Company ; and was one of the directors of the 
Branch Bank of the United States. He is the largest stockholder in the 
magnificent hotel known as the " Lindell Hotel," and his property is 
valued at many millions. 




BEIG ADIER-GENERAL DAVID M. FROST 

(p. 425.) 

ENGRAVED EXPEE88LY FOB THIS WORK FROM A PIIOTOGBAPn BY BKOWN. 



BRIGADIER-GENERAL DANIEL MARSH FROST. 

The subject of this memoir was a native of Schenectady county, state 
of New York, and was born August 9th, 1823. His ancestors came to 
this country, from England, during its early settlement, and during the 
Revolutionary War one of his grandfathers fought faithfully under the 
banner of his country. 

The father of General Frost was a man of fine attainments ; he was 
appointed surveyor and civil engineer in the state of New York, and 
made the first complete survey, soundings, and map of Hudson City. 
He also commanded a volunteer company in the last war against 
England. 

General Frost, the subject of this sketch, had all the advantages of early 
education, until, at the age of sixteen, he entered the Military Academy 
at West Point, and graduated with high honors at that celebrated 
institution in 1844. He was attached to the 1st regiment of artillery, 
and, after some service at various forts, he was sent to Florida. Becom- 
ing tired of seaboard garrison life, he was transferred to the regiment of 
mounted riflemen in 1846, and in the same year went to Mexico, under 
General Scott, fighting in all the battles in which his illustrious com- 
mander was engaged, until the "star-spangled banner" floated over the 
battlements of Mexico. 

General Frost, in the many battle-fields in which he was engaged, 
reaped plentifully of military laurels, and at the battle of Cerro Gordo 
was especially complimented by his commander-in-chief. At the decla- 
ration of peace, he returned to Missouri, and was soon after ordered across 
the Plains to Oregon City. The following year he returned to St. Louis, 
where he was married to the daughter of the late Major Graham, who was 
at one time one of the aids of General Harrison. 

The judgment and military abilities of General Frost have always been 
held in the highest estimation by his superior ofiicers, and he was selected 
by the secretary of war, as an efBcient oflicer to send to Europe, to 
gather information concerning cavalry drill and discipline. After return- 
ing from Europe, in 1852, he joined his regiment in Texas, and shortly 
after, was wounded in an engagement with the Indians. In 1853, he 
returned to St. Louis, and resigned his commission, but was chosen the 
commander of the Washington Guards, which he held for five years. In 
1854, he was elected to the state Senate, and served in that body till 
1858, at the expiration of which he was elected brigadier-general and 
commander of the first military district of Missouri. 

General Frost is scarcely in the summer of manhood, and, with youth, 
fame, position, and character, can hope for all things that can gratify an 
honorable ambition. 



MARINUS WILLETT WARNE. 

Marinus Willett Warne was born at New Brunswick, New Jersey, 
December 7th, 1810. His father was a respectable merchant, engaged in 
the liardware trade, and died insolvent, owing to the financial crisis which 
took place after the war of 1812, when the subject of this memoir was 
only ten years of age. Young Warne, after the death of his father, re- 
ceived no further education, but was forced to do something for his own 
livelihood. At the age of twelve years, he engaged himself to the succes- 
sor of his father's business, with whom he remained nine years, during 
th;it time acquiring a complete knowledge of the hardware and cedar- 
ware business. 

Marinus AVillett Warne, on arriving at the age of twenty-one, deter- 
mined on removing to New York city, where, if the field of success was 
more difficult, it otfered an ampler harvest to the votary of ambition. 
He 'accordingly removed to the great metropolis, and entered the large 
establishment kept by William Galloway «fe Company, with whom he re- 
mained two years. Then, feeling anxious to carry on business on his 
own account, untrammelled by any superior power, he commenced the 
manufacture of cedar-ware on a most extensive scale, with which he in a 
short time connected the house-furnishing business. 

At this time Mr. Warne appeared to be one of the favorites of fortune. 
Wealth poured upon him from a thousand avenues, and he conducted 
the largest business of the kind in the great empire city ; but clouds 
were lowering around him which he did not see, and he soon experienced 
how uncertain is the stability of sublunary things. His friendly feelings 
had led him to indorse notes to a considerable amount, and a little pres- 
sure taking place in the money market, the notes which he indorsed were 
thrown on his hands for licpiidation, and for such an amount that his im- 
mense business received a sudden check, and he was forced to wind up 
his concern. 

Thus suddenly stripped of the fortune wliicli he liad acquired during 
a long term of continued labor and economy, Mr. Warne, tlK)Ugh he felt 
sorely his misfortune, did not yield to despondency and useless com- 
plaint. He felt that the same continued perseverance, the same business 
qualifications put in force, would again achieve an independence. He 
resolved, then, to commence his fortune in the far West, the land that was 
open to adventurous ambition, and started for St. Louis. When he ar- 
rived in the city of his destination, he had neither friends nor money. 
He had only that self-reliance which formed one of the chief elements 
of his character, and that energy whicli was ready to encounter and over- 
come every opposing obstacle. On arriving at St. Louis, he commenced 
to work at his trade, and, after some time, having amassed a little money, 
he engaged with Henry L. Joy in the manufacture of wooden-ware, at 
Quincy, Illinois, by machinery, at the same time carrying on a business in 
St. Louis. The factory at Qiiincy did a tremendous business, and the 
profits of the concern were considerable. 




M W. W A RNE, ESQ. 

(p 429.) 

KNGRAVEI) KXPHERSLY FOR THIS WORK FROM A PHOTOGRAPH BY HHOWN. 



MAEINUS WILLETT WARNE. 431 

The horizon of the future again became bright, and the hopes of Mr. 
Warne again became flowering, but only again to be blighted. The fac- 
tory at Qnincy took fire by some accident, and was reduced to ashes. 
There was no insurance, and the loss was totah This was a heavy blow 
upon his prospects and business, but he bestowed still closer attention on 
his concern in St. Louis, which was by this time in a flourishing condi- 
tion ; but, as if misfortune was bent on testing, to the utmost his powers 
of mental, moral, and physical endurance, the great tire of 1849 swept his 
remaining property in the universal conflagration, and left him almost 
stripped of every thing. With the pittance he received from the in- 
surance companies, who were nearly all rendered insolvent by this wide 
destruction of property by fire, he commenced partnership with William 
H. Merritt, and, during the seven years of the continuance of the part- 
nership, the firm were very successful. Mr. Merritt then sold out his in- 
terest to E. L. Cheever, who, February 5th, 1857, lost his life in the ill- 
fated steamer. Colonel Grossman. Captain Joshua Cheever then took his 
brother's interest, and the name of the firm remained unchanged. The 
firm of Warne, Cheever & Company are composed of the subject of this 
sketch, the senior partner, Captain Joshua Cheever, and Mortimer N". Bur- 
chard ; the last named gentleman Mr. Warne brought up from a boy. 

Mr. Warne has a large family. He was married in June, 1S3.'3, to Miss 
Mary S. Tenbroeck, of New Jersey, and eleven children have been the fruit 
of the union, ten of whom survive. In his domestic relations, he has 
ever been most happy ; and if clouds lowered around him during a large 
portion of his eventful life, there were always smiles and peace at his 
fireside. 

Mr. Warne has always been a devotee to business, and has had neither 
leisure nor inclination to busy himself with any outside matters. How- 
ever, when the subject of the horse railroad came up for consideration on 
the part of our leading citizens, he at once took a prominent part in what 
he considered would be of so much benefit to St. Louis. lie is also one 
of the efficient directors of the Exchange Bank of St. Louis; is president 
of the civic organization of the Missouri Guards, and life-member of the 
National Guards, both of which organizations are composed of our most 
respectable citizens. He was also the first president of the Citizens' Sav- 
ings Loan Association. Mr. Warne may be proud of the part which he 
has played upon the drama of life. He has had to contend with vicissi- 
tudes that were sufficient to make the bravest falter, and make the 
stoutest heart yield to despondency; but though the shafts of misfortune 
flew thick around him, he neither faltered nor yielded ; and now he can 
reap his reward, and is the senior partner of one of the most substantial 
and extensive firms in the great metropolis of the West. He has a large 
number of assistants in his business, and sedulously inculcates those 
principles of attention, rectitude, and industry which are so interwoven 
with his own character. The pages of his life are instructive to the 
young, and teach them that opulence and social position are in the reach 
of all who, like him, can hope, work, and persevere with an untiring 
spirit, and are determined to achieve independence and a sterling business 
reputation. 



WASHINGTON KING. 

The subject of this memoir was born in the city of New York, on the 
5th of October, 1815. Ilis father, who is still living, is a native of Eng- 
land, who emigrated early to this country, and, being a well-informed 
man, gave to his children all the advantages which the liberal range of 
studies pursued in the common schools in the city of New York afforded. 

Washin<j,tou King, from a boy, was fond of his book, and soon becom- 
ing an accomplished scholar, turned his attention to teaching, and, in a 
little time eould boast of having the largest classical and English school 
in New York city. 

()n I)eccmber'2d, 1S3G, he married Miss Cynthia M. Kelsey, of Con- 
necticut, by whom he has two chiKlrcn. Jjelieving that the great Mis- 
sissippi N'ailev offered a wider field t\)r the exertion of individual enter- 
prise, he I'lnigrated to St. Louis in 1844, and commenced mercantile and 
manufacturing pursuits, in which he became very successful; but in 1849 
St. Louis was visited with a terrible calamity, which tor a time stopped 
all the currents of business, and blighted the pecuniary prospects of 
hundreds of the thriving citizens. The event of the terrible tire, which 
desolated the whole of the business portion of St. Louis, is still fresh in 
the remembrance of many, and will ever be a marked epoch in its 
history. 

A little while after this dreadful visitation, Mr. King determined on 
gratifying a long-existing desire, and started on a tour to Europe, where 
he remaiiieil several years, visiting the various countries of that enlight- 
ened portion of the globe, carefully noting the habits and customs of the 
people, and studying the languages and examining the policy of the dif- 
ferent governments he visited. After spending two years and six months 
in instructive travel, he returned to St. Lonis in the spring of 1852, and 
in 1855 he consented, at the repeated and earnest instigation of his many 
friends, to become a candidate for the mayoralty, and was elected to that 
important olliee. 

^Vhen in office, Mr. King, who always looked upon the law as obliga- 
tory upon all, antl created for the general benefit, rigidly compelled the 
observance of legislative enactments, and was the first mayor who put 
in effectual force the rrohibitory Sunday Li(pior Law, and restrained the 
pot-house dissipation and indecorum which had so long desecrated the 
Sabbath ; and so satisfactory was his term of office, that he has been 
repeatedly solicited again to become the people's candidate, but has 
alwavs declined the honor. He is now at the head of the well-known 
Adams Express Company in this city, and his valuable time is employed 
ill controlling the important and extensive operations connected with the 
duties of the company. 



4 




WASHINGTON KING, ESQ., 

Late Mayor of St. Louis 

(p. 438.) 

ENGRAVED EXPRESSLY FOK THIS WO.-.K EROM A .MI.,TOOP.AP.I UY TBOXELL 




THOMAS ALLEN, ESQ. 

(I., i-ro.) 

KNUKAVEI) KXPRE8SLT KOR THIS WOKK FUOM A PHOTOGKAPII BY BP.OWN. 



THOMAS ALLEN. 

Thomas Allen was born August 29tli, 1S13, in Pittsfic^lcl, Berkshire 
county, Massachusetts. His grandfather, Thomas Allen, after whom he 
was named, was a minister of the gospel, and daring the Revohition was 
a chaplain, and connected with the army at White Plains commanded by 
General Washington, and at Bennington, where General Stark com- 
manded. He was cousin of Ethan Allen, of Vermont, whose name is so 
associated with the heroic defence of his country. 

Jonathan iVllen, the father of the subject of this memoir, was a gentle- 
man of fine information and enterprise, being both a farmer and merchant 
at Pittsfield, where he held important positions of trust. He was post- 
master of the town, was a justice of the peace, a state senator, a commissary- 
general during the war of 1812, and died at the advanced age of seventy- 
one, regretted by all who knew him. Being a man of fine mental culture, 
it was natural that he should exercise a carefid control over the education 
of his children, and Thomas Allen was first sent to the district schools, 
and when sufficiently advanced was sent to an academy, in which Mr. 
Mark Hopkins, now the president of Williams College, was teacher. It 
was there, at the age of fifteen, when his mind was developing its natural 
faculties, that he first evinced a passion for letters, by compositions on 
numerous literary subjects, and getting up a little journal termed the 
Miscellany, of which he became editor. After leaving the academy he 
entered the freshman class of Union College at Schenectady, under the 
charge of the Rev. Doctor Nott, where he remained until he graduated in 
1832. During the four years of his collegiate life, he stood high as a' 
scholar, and had no superior in the acquirements of general literature. 

After finishing his collegiate course, Thomas Allen chose the law as his 
profession, and studied a few months in the office of James Kino- of Al- 
bany, and then removed to New York with a capital of twenty-five dollars. 
His father had given him mental wealth — at a great cost had given him 
knowledge, which a great philosopher had declared was " power," and he 
thought if he had within him the elements of success, that, armed with 
that talisman, he could soon win his way to fame and fortune. 

While studying law in New York, Thomas Allen supported himself by 
his pen, and edited the Illustrated Family Mayazinc, which attained a cir- 
culation of 20,000. So highly were his legal acquirements appreciated, 
that he assisted Mr. Gierke, now of the Supreme Court, in the preparation 
of a digest of the New York decisions, and, from the proceeds of this labor, 
purchased a law library. He was admitted by the Supreme Court to 
practice in 1835, and the same year received, from his alma mater, the 
degree of A. M., and was also elected an honorary member of the Phi 
Beta Kappa Society of New York. He was now looked upon as a 
promising young man, and received immerous invitations to deliver lec- 
tures and addresses, which soon gave him an enviable reputation. After 
20 



438 THOMAS ALLEN. 



practisino; law with success in New York for two years, at the invitation 
■of his uncle, the Hon. E. W. Ripley, member of Congress from Louisiana, 
he started to take chargv; of his practice in that state, but stopping at 
Washington, he was captivated by the buoyant influences of the political 
atmosphere, and, at the solicitation of some of the leading statesmen of 
the Union, he determined to establisli a newspaper in that place. A 
few weeks of preparation, and every thing being ready, the Madiwnian 
appeared in August, 1837. 

The journals at Washington at that time were conducted by gentlemen 
-of rare talents and ability, but the Madisoniau was received with favor, 
tind the independent spirit of its lucid editorials won "golden opinions." 
So popular did Mr. Allen l>ecomc in a short period, that at the extra ses- 
sion of Congress, he became a candidate for the public printing and was 
elected. His competitors were veterans of journalism, and had long basked 
in the favor of the natiomil council of the country. Messrs. Blair & Rives 
of the Globe, and Messrs. Gales & Seaton of the TnteUu/encer were the op- 
ponents of Mr. .'Mien. 

It is impossible for us in this sketch to follow Mr. Allen through all the 
mazes of his editorial progress, and we will only repeat the words uttered 
on the floor of Congress by the Hon. James Buchanan : "that paper," said 
he, r('f<'rring to the Madisonian, " is worthy of the days of Madison." 
After five years in the political arena, where the young editor had shown 
himself capable of coping with the first intellects of the country, he sold 
out the Madisonian in 1842 and came to Missouri. A few months after his 
arrival, he married Miss Anne C. Russell, daughter of William Russell, a 
distinguished and wealthy citizen of St. Louis, The marriage took place 
July i2th, 1842. 

After Mr. xMlen's advent in St. Louis, he did not long continue the 
practice of the law, which he had at first determined to pursue, but finding 
that his private affairs had attained a considerable magnitude, he aban- 
doned altogether his profession. His mind, however, accustomed to 
create, could not remain inactive, and he published several pamj)hlets on 
interesting subjects, which had the efl'ect at the time of controlling, to a 
considerable degree, the currents of popular opinion. Among these pub- 
lications was a Commentary on the Treaty of Paris, T803, and another 
called "Letter Smuggling." The last was reprinted by the order of the 
post-office department of the United States. He was also elected presi- 
dent of the St. Louis Horticultural Society, and prepared for the St. Louis 
delegation to the Chicago convention, an elaborate pamphlet on the com- 
merce and navigation of the Mississippi River and its tributaries. He also, 
in 1848, used his efficient influence to get a municipal subscription of 
$700,000 to the St. Louis and Cincinnati Railroad. 

Mr. Allen has always been a great advocate of internal improvements, 
looking upon them as the proper arteries of a country, furnishing vitality 
and strength to the body corporate. In 1849, when a meeting was called 
to take action on the subject of a Pacific railroad, he ably discussed the 
importance of a "national central highway to the Pacific," and became 
one of tlije corporators of the Pacific Railroad, which, when it will receive 
the patriotic aid to which it is entitled, will soon reach the great ocean 
which flows by our western borders. A pamphlet from the pen of 
Thomas Allen, containing "The Address of the People of St. Louis to the 



THOMAS ALLEN. 439 



People of the United States," which was widely scattered throuirh the 
Union, met with iinich favor ; and at the national convention called on 
the subject of the Pacific Raih-oad, fourteen of the United States were rep- 
resented, and Mr. Allen was selected by the convention to prepare the 
memorial to Congress, 

When the charter was granted to the Pacific Railroad of the state of 
Missouri, there was prejudice on the subject, for Missouri was far behind 
the times, and to remove this prejudice Mr. Allen was determined. He 
had been elected the first president of the company after its organization, 
and to arouse the slumbering energy of the people, and to awaken in them 
the proper feelings in regard to the importance of the Pacific Railroad, he 
travelled on horseback through the different counties of its projected 
route in the state, haranguing the people at the most prominetit stations; 
and having been elected to the state Senate, he succeeded in interesting 
the members of the assembly on the subject, and a loan of state credit 
was granted for 12,000,000. On the subject of railroads, it is not too 
much to say that Mr. Allen has done more to originate and bring them 
to their present state of prosperity than any man in Missouri. His talents 
and time have been long given to foster their growth, and he well deserves 
the gratitude of the country for his continual exertions. It was he who 
proposed the whole system of railroads througli the localities which they 
now take in their course. 

AVhen ho was in the Senate, he gave effectual support to "the creation 
of a geological survey, which has made known the different sections of the 
state, attracted immigration, and, pari passu with tiie railroads, has served 
to develop its resources. He was agent for the World's Fair, both in 
London and New York, by appointment, and the journals both abroad 
and in the East glowed with contributions from his pen on the state of 
Missouri, and he placed her before the world with all her mammoth re- 
sources made manifest. He selected the land donated by the general 
government for the Pacific Railroad; and when, in 1854, he resigned his 
position as director and president, resolutions the most complimentary 
were passed by the board. He was again nominated at this time for state 
senator, but declined. In 1857, he was elected president of the Terrc 
Haute, Alton, and St. Louis Railroad, which he held for one year. In Sep- 
tember, 1858, he established the well-known banking-house of Allen, 
Copp, «k Nisbet, he furnishing the capital. In 1859 he was entrusted by 
the state of Missouri with $900,000 of her guaranteed bonds, to be dis- 
posed of by him for the benefit of the South-west Branch of the Pacific 
Railroad, and he discharged the trust with fidelity and success. 

Mr. Allen has won for himself laurels that can never fade. He is the 
father of the railroad system of the state, and with paternal devotion has 
done all that man could do to advance its interest. As a benefactor of 
Missouri he has advocated her internal improvements, and with his graphic 
pen revealed to the world her agricultural and mineral wealth; and as a 
citizen of St. Louis he has ever been solicitous of her interest, by mak- 
ing her the great reservoir whence all her channels of internal improve- 
ments must flow. His life has been one of utility and constant action ; 
and his literary and political contributions and unceasing efforts for the 
good of the state are well known to the living and will receive the Mppre- 
ciation of posterity. 



ISAAC ROSENFELD, JR. 

Isaac Rosenfeld, Jr., was born near Nuremberg, in Bavaria, March 
27th, 1827. His father, KaHman Rosenfeld, who was a miller and grain 
dealer in Germany, is still living, and has eight children. 

From the circumstance of his father being placed in a comfortable 
sphere in life, Isaac Rosenfeld, Jr., had all care given to his education in 
youth, and did not want for teachers to fit him suitably for the vocation 
in life it was determined that he shoiild pursue. When this was acquired, 
he was placed as a clerk in a large dry-goods house, where he remained 
for three years. He then made an engagement in another house, in the 
same capacity, where he remained for four years. He had by this time 
acquired a complete knowledge of his business, and, having reached the 
age of manhood, he determined to make the United States of America 
his future residence. He had studied the theory of free institutions, and 
had become a convert to the doctrine that man can govern himself. 
He accordingly left Bavaria at the age of twenty-two, and embarked for 
New York. On arriving in this country, he traveled for some time, that 
he might see the different cities, and select a location. On seeing St. 
Louis, he gave it the preference. 

Isaac Rosenfeld arrived in St. Louis March 7th, 1849. He com- 
menced the wholesale fancy dry-goods business, in partnership with other 
gentlemen, and the firm was styled Ottenheimer & Company. The firm was 
soon after changed to Silberman & Rosenfeld, which continued until 1853, 
when he gave up commercial pursuits. He was then elected treasurer and 
secretary of the Germans' Saving Association, an office of great trust and 
responsibility, which he held for three years. He always had a predis- 
position for the business of finance, and, with some few others, originated 
the present State Savings Institution, and started it on that firm basis 
which has insured so etfectnally its subsequent success. He was elected 
cashier of the institution, which does the largest money transactions of 
any bank in the western country ; frequently its daily business exceeding 
a million of dollars. 

Mr. Rosenfeld is just in the flower of manhood, and in all matters 
of finance, there is no one in the city whose opinion is more valued. In 
the season of youth he has achieved what is usually the work of a life- 
time — and his future is redolent with brightness. 




ISAAC ROSENFELB, JR. 

(p 441.") 

ENGRAVED EXPRESSLY FOR TIIIB WORK FROM A PHOTOGRAPH BY RROWN. 




RICHARD H. COLE. 

(p. 443.) 

ENGRAVED EXPRES8LT FOR THIS WORK FROM A PHOTOGRAPH BY TROXELL. 



RICHARD H. COLE. 

Richard H. Cole was born in Stafford county, Virginia, March 22d, 
1816. His father, Daniel Cole, was an honest blacksmith, who early taught 
his son the trade that he followed, and gave him a good common business 
education. 

At the age of sixteen, Richard H, Cole thought himself proficient enough 
in his business to take charge of a blacksmith-shop and coach-factor}', 
in Loudon county, Virginia. So expert was he in horse-shoeing that he 
won the friendship of a man by the name of Henry Sacket, by the skill 
that he evinced in this particular branch of his trade, who proposed to 
him to go and see the West, and settle in that growing country — tliat 
he would pay, at all events, the expenses of a journey of observation. 
He followed the suggestion of his friend, and came to Missouri in the 
autumn of 1835. He went to Marion City, where he married Miss 
Amanda Eversle, daughter of Jacob B. Eversle, and, in 1837, moved to 
St. Charles, where he became engineer in a steam flour-mill, which em- 
ployment he pursued for some years, and then resumed his trade. He 
remained working at his trade for four years, and in 1844, came to St. 
Louis. 

When Mr. Cole came to St. Louis, he was but an humble blacksmith, 
and engaged himself to Messrs. Gaty & McCune at eight dollars per week, 
and at that time he could obtain no higher wages, which were scarcely 
sufficient for supporting his famil3^ After pursuing journey-work for 
some little time, he determined, if possible, to commence business him- 
self, and rented a place in the vacant lot adjoining the Park Mills, from 
Mr. Francis Watkins, where he built a rough shop, from some boards 
wliich were kindly furnished him by Mr. Watkins. He remained eighteen 
months in this spot, when, having saved a little money, he built a large 
shop on Main street, and rapidly extended his business. 

While engaged in business on Main street, he became acquainted with 
the firm of Chouteau, Harrison & Valle. In their friendly intercourse, 
this firm told him that they had made a contract with the Illinois Central 
Railroad Company, to furnish them a large quantity of nuts and bolts, 
for the purpose of bridging. From the want of a careful examination, 
they bad contracted to furnish them with nuts at a price so low, that, 
on calculating the expense after the contract was closed, they found it 
would be most unprofitable. Mr. Cole saw the dilemma in which they 
were placed, and it struck him that he could furnish nuts at much less 
cost than usually attended their manufacture, by inventing a machine 
that would cut them at once from the iron, without subjecting them to 
the tedious process to which they were heretofore subjected. He put his 
brain on the rack of invention, and, after much thinking and some ex- 
periments, he succeeded in producing a machine that would answer the 
desired purpose. 

Feeling confident in the efficacy of his machine, he proposed to Messrs. 



446 KICHAEn II. COLE. 



Chouteau, Harrison & Valle, to talce the contract off their hands. His 
proposition they cjhidly assented to, and, on Mr. Chouteau becoming 
acquainted with the now invention, he purchased a i)ah" interest for 
twenty-tive hundred dollars. However, in a little while, he expressing a 
desire of selling out for the same price, Mr. Cole repurchased his inteiest. 

Mr. Cole had heard that there was a celeb-rated nut machine invented 
by some one in Pittsburgh, and he started for that city with the intention 
of purchasing the machine if it proved superior to his own, so that he 
could employ it in the manufacture of nuts. On seeing the machine, he 
found that his own was incomparably superior; and it soon became widely 
known, and he became the great mit-maker in St. Louis. He made 
several inventions, which covered all the different varieties of nuts, and, 
having patented machinery to subserve his purpose, there was no one 
wlio could compete with him in their manufacture. 

So sensible did Mr. Chouteau become of the immense capital contained 
in the inventions, that he gave him 1.3.7, 500 for the half which he had be- 
fore resold for |!2,i)00, and a iirui was established whicli went under the 
title of K. II. Cole & Company, and then was built the St. Louis Nut and 
Washer Factory.. The fame of the new inventions spread far and wide, 
and one-third of tlie business done west of the Mountains was purchased 
by Mr. J. J. O'Fallon for $25,000, and one-third of the business done cast 
of the Mountains for the further sum of $40,000, and the firm became 
known as J. J. O'Fallon & Company. 

So useful are the inventions of Mr. Cole that tlieir fame lias passed 
the Athuitic, and there are branch houses established in various portions 
of Euroj)ey that are employed in the particular manufactures to which 
thev are suited. Mr. ^^'atkins, from whom he rented the ground on wliich 
he reared his little shop, owns a small interest iti the inventions, and is an 
agent in JMirope. In ]>irmingham, the well-known Victoria Works, whicli 
are one of the branches of the concern in St. Louis, are carried on by 
him, the firm being called Watkins & Keen. 

When Mr. Cole came to St. Louis in 1844 lie was in luimble circum- 
stances indeed, and he had to labor liard, under the ten-hour system, for 
six days, before he became entitled to his weekly salary of eight dollars. 
For many years he pursued his laborious task with a contented mind, yet 
hoping and bent upon producing some improvements in mechanics to 
which would be attached emolument and honor. What once Avere golden 
dreams liave assumed a j)ractical sliape, and the hundjle mechanic, from 
the loom of his active brain, has produced an invention which has startled 
the world and brought fame and fortune to himself. Mr. Cole is I'ichly 
deserving of all that he has gained, and all that may await him; for, 
even before the golden change came upon his fortunes, he was entitled to 
all that could beconveyed by the poet, when he wrote: "An honest man 
is the noblest work of God." 




r /^ 






w I r. r, I A M a. r l a ii k , esq. 

(|, 447.) 

K^ORAVKl) KXl'RI'.HKLV KOK TIIIH WOKK KUOM A I'llDTOIiKA I'll IIY I1R<1WN 



WILLIAM G. CLARK. 

The parents of William Clark belonged to the state of Maryland, and 
he was born in Baltimore county, November 4th, 1818. His grandmother 
still lives, at the venerable age of ninety-five years. His father, Matthew 
Clark, kept a hotel and store combined, and raised in a respectable man- 
ner a family of six children, giving them all a fair education, and training 
them to habits of early industry, 

William G. Clark was kept at school until he reached the age of seven- 
teen, and then he became clerk to Mr. John Taylor, a dry-goods merchant, 
with whom he did not long remain ; for, being invited by Mr. Trowbridge, 
the brother-in-law of Mr. Taylor, who was preparing to locate in the 
west, to accompany him to his new home, he accepted the offer, and, on 
reaciiing St. Louis in 1836, he commenced business with him in the 
capacity of clerk. He remained three years in that situation, and, under- 
standing by this time perfectly the routine of commercial pui'suits, in 
1839 he connncnced business on his own account, in conjunction with 
two others, and a firm was established under the title of Jones, Clark 
and Gill, who carried on the clothing business. He continued as clothing 
merchant until 1842, and then, believing that the lumber business off'ered 
greater inducements, he entered upon his new pursuit, and soon became 
one of the most extensive and successful lumber merchants in the city. 

Mr. Clark, by his own eftbrts, has reached affluence and a commercial 
position, which has given his name weight and respect in the community. 
He is extensively associated with all enterprises which serve to strengthen 
and increase the business elements of St. Louis. He is a director in the 
Southern Bank, and essentially promoted the building of the City Uni- 
versity, which promises to elevate so much the standard of education in 
our city, and is a trustee of the institution. He has been for many j'ears 
a member of the church, and is a director in the Lindell Hotel, now in 
the course of erection. 

Mr. Clark has been twice married ; first to Miss Julia Miller, of Balti- 
more, in 1840, and had a large family of ten children. His present esti- 
mable lady was Miss Mary Bede Parks, daughter of Joseph Barks, of St. 
Charles county, Missouri. Mr. Clark has been a resident of St. Louis for 
twenty-three years, and is well known in the community as a man of sterling 
worth, who is well worthy of the fair fame, which a life of integrity has 
established, and of the affluence he has amassed by his industry. He is 
the owner of that fine block of buildings known as Clark's Buildings, 
which are an ornament to the locality in which thev are erected. 



HON. JOHN RICHARD BARRET. 

John Richard Barret was born August 21st, 1825, in the town of 
Greensburgli, on Green River. Kentucky. William Barret, his grandfather, 
was a respectable planter in the Old Dominion, and, though but a youth 
at the commencement of the Revolutionary war, soon became one of his 
country's defenders, and, when almost a boy in years, was made a captain 
in a Virginia regiment. Dorothy Winston, whom he afterward married, 
was of one of the ancient families of Virginia, and first cousin of Patrick 
Henry, the illustrious orator and patriot. His son, William D. Barret, 
the father of the subject of this memoir, was a man of sterling worth, 
remarkable industry, and unimpeachable integrity. He held the highest 
positions of trust in the state of Kentucky, and on his removal from 
Kentucky to St. Louis, in 1839, he associated himself, in the grocery and 
commission business, with Messrs. Blaine & Tompkins, and died in 1844. 
His wife, who is the daughter of General James Allen, of Kentucky, still 
•survives. 

John Richard Barret, the subject of this sketch, had all the advantages 
of an early education which the country schools of Kentucky at tliat time 
afforded. His father, though a self-made man, was always anxious for 
the mental culture of his children, and endeavored to instil into their 
minds a passion for learning. Directly the petticoat was shifted for the 
"round jacket," John Richard was sent to the little log school-house, and 
there became familiar with the rudiments of the English branches. When 
not at school, he frequently assisted in work upon tlie farm, and went 
regularly to mill in the old primitive manner, sitting on a well-filled sack 
of corn balanced on a horse's back. If the rider's attention is withdrawn 
for a moment to other things, down goes the sack; and to this day Colonel 
Barret is fond of relating to his friends his little mishaps when he went 
to mill. 

After reaching the age of thirteen, John Richard was sent to Centre 
College, where he remained until he passed through the freshman course, 
and was then called to St. Louis by his father, who had but shortly re- 
moved to that city, and had experienced such a considerable loss by fire, 
that he thought it a part of prudence to remove for a time his children 
from school, to curtail expenses. However, the president of St. Louis 
University, understanding his motives, insisted that he should send his 
children to that eminent institution, and remain a debtor for their educa- 
tion until his pecuniary circumstances were in a prosperous condition. 
This generous offer was accepted, and John Richard graduated at the 
university with the highest honors of his class, in 1843, and delivered the 
valedictory. 




HON. J. R. BARRKTT. 

(P 461.) 

ENGRAVED EXPRESSLY FOR THIS WORK FROM A PHOTOGRAPH BT BROWN. 



J 



HON. JOHN RICHARD BARRET. 453 

He then commenced the study of the law, but his father dying, he was 
compelled to take out a license to practise before he had completed the 
time which he had set apart to thoroughly qualify himself for his profes- 
sion. From the very first he was successful ; nature had done much, and 
his own efforts were not wanting. He was moulded into a iorm which 
a knight of the middle ages might have been proud to possess, and had 
an energy, combined with his natural and intellectual attainments, which 
insured success. Upon him devolved chiefly the care of his brothers and 
sisters, younger than himself, and five in number. 

In 1852, be entered upon the political arena, and since that time has 
been one of the favorite champions of the Democratic party, and has 
never been defeated. He was elected in 1852 to the Missouri legis- 
lature, which position he held for four terms, and was a most efficient 
representative. In 1858, while absent from the state, he was nominated 
for Congress, and party excitement running very high, the election was a 
most exciting one in the coming August. Colonel Barret was elected by 
a considerable majority ; he was the Democratic candidate. 

In November, 18-17, Colonel Barret married Miss Eliza P. Simpson, the 
beautiful and accomplished daughter of the Hon. James Simpson, now 
chief-justice of the state of Kentucky. In 1852, he lost this amiable 
wonum, who had blessed his home for five )'ear8, and been the chief source 
of his happiness. 

Colonel Barret has that magnetism of character, so rarely possessed 
by the human family, which attracts toward him his fellow man without 
any appaient efi"ort. He appears to have been formed by nature for 
public life ; and his frankness of manner not only conciliates regard, but 
successfully woosthe most friendly feelings. In politics he is known by the 
appellation of " Missouri Dick ;" and as a champion of the Democratic 
party he has been most successful, and never been defeated upon the 
political arena. 

While a member of the legislature, he obtained the charter of the 
Agricultural and Mechanical Association. He has been its president since 
its incorporation, and the fame of its lovely "Fair Grounds," and its wide- 
spread salutary influence over agricultural and mechanical pursuits, is 
known and felt throughout the Union. In politics, he has always been 
for the union of his party, and stood for the union of the states. He is 
in the prime of manhood, and will gather fresh laurels in the legislative 
halls of his country, in which he will soon commence his useful duties. 



GERARD B. ALLEJ(. 

The subject of this memoir was a native of Ireland, being born in the 
city of Cork, November 6th, 1813. His father, Thomas Allen, was a 
respectable silk weaver of that cit}', and young Allen, believing that in 
America labor would be better rewarded than in his native country, re- 
solved to emigrate, and started for the city of New York in 1836. 

Previous to leaving Ireland, young Gerard B. Allen had learned the 
carpenter and turner business, and on his arrival in New York, followed 
those pursuits for more than a year, and then came to St. Louis in 1837. 
Here he worked journcywork until 1841, when he entered upon business 
himself, and, in turning and manufacturing bedsteads, he added consider- 
ably to his worldly wealtli, and extended his business relations. In 1845, 
lie had widely extended his operations, and owned two saw-mills, one in 
St. Louis and the other on Gasconade River. 

Believing that the working of iron afforded a vast field of enterprise 
and wealth in St. Louis, in 1847 he connected himself in the foundry 
business, and became a member of the well-known firm of (Jaty, MeCune 
& Co., with whom he remained until 1855. Two years after he had lost 
his amiable wife, who was Miss P'rances Adams, of New York, he com- 
menced, on his own account, his business at the Fulton Iron \\'orks. 

Mr. Allen is well known to the citizens of St. Louis as a sterling busi- 
ness man, and the uprightness of his character has won the confidence 
of the community. He is widely connected with positions of trust, and 
is president of the Covenant Life Insurance Company, is a director in the 
Hope Fire Marine Insurance Company, and also in the Bank of the State 
of Missouri ; he is also vice-president of the O'Fallon Polytechnic Insti- 
tute, and of the North Missouri Railroad. 

Every position of life which Mr. Allen fills and has filled, he has done 
it with satisfaction, and the eagerness with which he is sought after to 
hold important trusts, and to control important functions, shows the ster- 
ling value of his character in the community. 




GERARD B. ALLEN, ESQ. 

(p 455.) 

ENGKAVED KXPRE8SLY FOK THIS WORK FEOM A PHOTOOllAl'U I)V ijm)WN. 




WILLIAM L. EWING, ESQ. 

(p. 457.) 

KNCEAVEl) EXPREBSLV FOK THIS WOKK FROM A PHOTOGEAPn BY BBOWN 



WILLIAM L. EWING. 

William L. Ewing was born January 31st, 1809, near the town of 
Vincennes, Indiana. "When the whole of that portion of country where 
Vincennes is situated was called the Illinois Territory, Nathaniel C. Ewing, 
the father of William L. Ewing, received the appointment from the govern- 
ment as receiver of public money, and removed at an early day to the old 
French settlement to enter upon the duties of his office. He was like- 
wise a member of the territorial legislature, where he was known as a 
hard worker in every measure that concerned the advancement of the 
Illinois Territory. He left his influence upon the times in which he 
lived, and was well known for his strong advocacy in making the state of 
his adoption a non-slavcholding state. He died at the advanced age 
of seventy-five, in the year 1848. 

The very circumstance of William L. Ewing being born in the neigh- 
borhood of Vincennes as early as 1809, shows at once that he did not 
enjoy very excellent advantages of education in his youth. He had the 
instruction in the limited degree which the country schools at that period 
imparted ; but his thirst for knowledge overcame the barrier of adventitious 
circumstances and by continual self-culture he garnered much useful in- 
formation. 

Believing that Vincennes, like most of the old towns settled by the 
French, would never be a place of great magnitude, W^illiam L. Ewing 
determined on removing to St. Louis, and landed on August I7th, 1821. 
His first business effort was with Dr. William Carr Lane, his brother-in- 
law, with whom he came to St. Louis, and engaged with him in the 
capacity of clerk, and remained in that position for more than three years. 
(His employer was the first mayor of the city of St. Louis, and was after- 
ward governor of New Mexico.) After leaving the employment of Dr. 
William Carr Lane, Mr. Ewing went some time to the St. Louis University 
to complete his education, and then engaged as clerk in the Missouri 
Republican office, and served in that capacity in sundry other places until 
18.33, when he returned to his native town in Indiana, and started a 
store, which he successfully conducted for three years and a half. 
Having thus achieved a start in Vincennes, Mr. Ewing again came to St. 
Louis, determining to build up a fortune and commercial reputation in a 
city which he knew would soon occupy a position of primary importance 
in the commercial world. 

The second advent of William L. Ewing in the Mound City was attend- 
ed with the most auspicious circumstances. He opened a grocery and 
commission house, and at once commenced a most prosperous career. The 
firm was known as Berthhold & Ewing. 

The year 1849 will ever be remembered as a marked year in the an- 
nals of St. Louis. A destructive fire broke out in the lower part of the 
city, and, despite the exertions of the citizens and firemen, raged with a 
fury that threatened to wrap the whole town in the contiagration. Amid 



460 WILLIAM L. EWENG. 



the thousands of sufferers was the firm of Berthhold & Ewing, after a 
prosperous existence of ten years — the loss was $18,000. 

Nothing daunted by the unexpected calamity, Mr. Ewing, with the 
confidence and energy for which he is remarkable, again commenced 
business under the firm of William L. Ewing & Company, which is still 
in existence, and it has the confidence and respect of the whole business 
community. He was married February 8th, 1838, to Miss Clara Berth- 
hold, who was the granddaughter of Pierre Chouteau, senior, who was 
the companion of Pierre Laclede Ligueste, the founder of St. LouLs. 

William L. Ewing lias accomplished all that he wished for. It was his 
aim to excel in the avocation he chose, and he has succeeded. lie is 
known as one of the leading merchants of St. Louis, and his integrity 
and cordial deportment have won the respect and love of its citizens. He 
is liberal in his views, and a great advocate of internal improvements. 
Public spirit and enterprise are elements of his character, and he is liberal 
in his assistance to any public measure that tends to advance the interest 
of the city or the state. He has acquired his wealth not by practising a 
miser parsimony, but by the expansive views which he took of business 
relations, accompanied by eneigy, perseverance, and industry. In his 
charities there are few more liberal, and what he gives is to relieve suft'er- 
ing, and not from any spirit of ostentation. He is a director of the 
Agricultural and Mechanical Association, is a directol* in the Merchants' 
Bank and Union Insui-ance Company ; and to the various public institu- 
tions, eleemosynary and literary, he has subscribed munificently. He 
was a great encourager of the steamboat interest, and owned largely in 
many of the finest that land on the levee. One of the handsomest boats 
on the Mississippi bears his name. 




LOUIS A. LEBAUME, ESQ. 

fre-iiifetit of the St. Lnuis Ghh Comitany. 

(p. 461.) 

KMUKAVKD EXPRESSLY FOK THIS WORK FROM A TnoTOfiRAPH BYTROXKLL. 



i 



LOUIS A. LEBAUME. 

The biography of Louis A. Lebaume commences in St. Louis; for he 
was born in this city on March 13th, 1807. His father, Louis Lebaume, 
was a native of France, a gentleman of fine education, which made him 
take a prominent part in the country he early adopted as his own. Un- 
der Zenon Zrudeau, the Spanish commander, he filled the important and 
responsible position of secretary, and after the transfer of the province of 
Louisiana to the United States, in due time he was elected one of the 
judges of Common Pleas, and likewise colonel of the militia. His wife, 
who was the mother of the subject of this memoir, and whose maiden 
name was Susan Dubriiil, was connected with one of the oldest families in 
St. Louis, and was born within its precincts. The house in which the 
Dubruil family lived was an old-fashioned stone building with extended 
portico situated on the block in Second street, west side, between Clies- 
nut and Pine. The whole square was owned by Mr. Dubruil, and a part 
of it was devoted to the cultivation of vegetables, and on one extremity 
was located a barn. On that square now stands a marble building built 
by Mr. Gay, in which will be held the Mechanics' and Southern Banks, 
and it is in the very heart of the business of St. Louis, and its value most 
enormous. One of the family who resided in that square is still alive. 
It is Mrs. Celeste Delaurier, sister of Mrs. Lebaume, now seventy-five years 
of age. 

At the age of seven years, Louis A. Lebaume was taken from St. Louis to 
the Richw'Oods mines, where his father went to reside, and continued there 
three years, and then the family removed to a spot near the Belle Fon- 
taine Cemetery, and a portion of the place is now comprised in a part of 
the beautiful grounds; it was there that the elder Mr. Lebaume died. He 
was fortunate in having his early education properly cared for, and was 
sent to tlie then only college of the town, situated near the south-west 
corner of Third and Market streets, on the old Alvarez lot, and presided 
over by Bishop Dubourg, an accomplished scholar and an exemplary divine. 
He remained at the college until sixteen years of age, and after sojourn- 
ing with his mother a short period, he commenced his business career by 
clerking upon a steamboat, in which capacity he continued until 1827, 
and then went to France to settle an estate belonging to his father. He 
remained several years in la belle France, and whilst beneath its sunny 
skies, he formed the acquaintance of Mademoiselle Melane De Lapierre, 
whose father was high in authority, being/president of the civil tribunal 
of Vigan, departement du Garde. He was married to her on the 20th of 
December, 1832, and returned to St Louis in the spring of 1833. 

He then formed a partnership in commercial pursuits with Theodore 
Lebaume, his brother, and Jonas Newman, the firm going under the name 
of Lebaume & Co. This partnership continued until 1841, when Mr. Le- 
baume entered into partnership with Peter E. Blow, his brother-in-law, 
the firm being Peter E. Blow & Co. 

Some years after, Mr. Lebaume resolved to give up commercial pur- 
suits altogether, and then engaged in the mining business with his brother- 
in-law, in Washington county, which continued until 1851. In this pur- 



464 LOUIS A. LEBAUifE. 



suit, Mr. Thomas M. Taylor was cno^fjed with them a short time. He 
then retired from the load business, which he had carried on extensively 
for several years, though he still owns the mines. 

Mr. Lebnuine, though strictly a business man, and turning all of his 
business connections to profitable account, without being a politician, or 
anxious to mingle in the political atmosphere, has been called upon by 
his fellow citizens to fill positions of trust and responsibility. In 1841, 
he was elected a member of the board of delegates, and in 1842, a mem- 
ber of the board of aldermen, and remained a member until he ixsigned, 
in 185-3, for the purpose of going to Europe to recruit his health, which 
had much declined. Whilst a member of the board of aldermen, he 
strongly opposed the measure for the city assisting in building the Ohio 
and Mississippi Railroad, contending that eastern capitalists for their own 
sakcs, so as to facilitate more directly communication with St. Louis, 
woidd complete the road, and if the city had any funds to invest in that 
manner, it should be in caring for the railroads in the state, which were 
so much required to develop fully the immense resources of Missouri. 
He opposed, too, the depositing of the city funds, frequently amounting 
to several hundred thousand dollars, with private bankers, previous to the 
failure of many of them, and saved the city from an immense loss in the 
banking business. 

As early as 1842, he introduced a bill for the widening of the levee, 
which was entirely too narrow for the business of St. Louis, but his enter- 
prising resolution was not supported, and not until 1849, after the great 
fire, was the levee widened, under the municipal administration of Mr. 
Barry ; Mr. Lebaume promptly urging the resolution, and, after it was 
passed, assisting in drawing the present line of the levee. In 1844, he 
was elected to the legislature, and during liis term Thomas H. Benton 
was elected for the last time to the United States Senate. 

During his public service, Mr. Lebaume was a hard-working member, 
and all of his efforts were directed, uninfluenced by the shallow motives 
of political prejudice, to the advancement of the city and state. When 
a member of the city council, an effort was made to double the salary of 
the members, but Mr. Lebaume, assisted by Mr. Palm, satisfied that the 
office should be one of lionor, and not of emolument, which would make 
it too much of an object for the unprhicipled and political harpies, 
strongly and effectually resisted the attempt. 

He has two brothers residing at St. Louis. One of them, Louis G. Le- 
baume, was once the popular sheriff of the county, and Theodore Lebaume 
for many years served as deputv-sheriff. 

In 1851, Mr. Lebaume was elected a director of the Gas Company of 
St. Louis, and soon after the president, which responsible office he still 
holds. In 1851, he was elected a director in the Pacific Railroad, and in 
1855, a director in the Boatmen's Saving Institution. When it became 
evident in 1850, that corruption had crept into the county court, he took 
a very active part in abolishing it. He is well known in the place of liis 
birth, and has witnessed year by year the unparalleled growth of his 
native city, and his efforts and influence have done iniich for its prosper- 
ity. His name gives strength, "with whatever it is associated, and any 
enterprise with which he is connected, almost at once guarantees the 
sanction and the confidence of the public. 




RKV. S. 15. McPH EP:TE RS. 

(p. 4r,r,.) 

ENORAVm KXPRKSRI.V FOR THIS WORK TROM A PIIOTOOIIAIMI IIV TftoXRI.L. 



REV. S. B. McPHEETERS. 

Rev. S. B. McPheeters was born at Raleigh, North Carolina, Septem- 
ber 18th, 1819. Dr. William McPheeters, his father, was a learned and 
eminent divine of the Presbyterian church, who, for forty years, was at- 
tached to the ministry, and who was well known throughout the states of 
Virginia and North Carolina as a popular and able minister, and exem- 
plary in the practical duties of Christian life. He died at the age of sixty- 
four, and has seven children living, three of whom reside in St. Louis. 
One is the subject of this sketch — Dr. William McPheeters, who bears 
the name of his father, occupies a professor's chair in the St. Louis Medi- 
cal College, and has been a resident of the city for eighteen years; and 
James G. McPheeters, proprietor of the well-known Excelsior foundry. 

In his youth, the Rev. S. B. McPheeters was a constant pupil of the 
schools in his neighborhood, and directly he became sufficiently advanced, 
was sent to the L^niversity of North Carolina, where he graduated in 1841. 
After leaving college, he determined to study law, and read for eighteen 
months under the instruction of Mr. Manly, an eminent attorney ; but his 
feelings flowing into religious channels, he felt called upon to follow an 
apostolic mission, and, uniting with the church, went to Princeton, New 
Jersey, and, amid the classic associations of Nassau Hall, he assiduously 
devoted himself to preparation for the ministry. He remained three 
years at college, and, on returning to North Carolijia, he was licensed by 
the Presbyteiy of Orange, and in Nottaway and x\me!ia counties of Vir- 
ginia, with all the ardor of enthusiastic feeling, he promulgated the salu- 
tary precepts of the gospel. 

In the spring of 1848 Mr. McPheeters was ordained by the Presbytery 
of East Hanover, Virginia. In the year 1851 he received an invitation to 
the Westminster church in St. Louis. He accepted the call, and return- 
ing to St. Louis, became the pastor of thn church. He continued thus 
for two years, when it was thought advisable that a union should be 
effected between the Westminster church and the Pine street clnrrch, and 
he was invited by the congregations of the two churches to become their 
minister. He acted in obedience to their wishes, and still continues his 
duties as their pastor. 

The Rev. S. B. McPheeters was married to Miss Eliza C. Shanks, 
daughter of Colonel Shanks, of Virginia. In the pulpit he is popular; 
his discourse being impressive and attractive, from its literary finish and 
the conviction it enforces. His eloquence is mild and convincing, free 
from all unhealthful excitement, yet earnest in its appeal. He is well 
beloved by his congregation, and performs, to the utmost, the duties ap- 
pertaining to his station. 



ISAAC H. STURGEON. 

Isaac H. Sturgeon was born September lOtb, 182], in Jefferson 
county, Kentucky. His ancestry is of an old Pennsylvania stock, who 
emigrated at an early day, and settled in Kentucky, when it was a part of 
Virginia. His parents, Thomas Sturgeon and Eliza Tyler, were both born 
in Jcftcrson county, Kentucky, and after marriage lived upon a farm, in 
comfortable but not affluent circumstances, Thomas Sturgeon died Sep- 
tember 5th, 1822, and eleven years afterward his wife followed him to 
the grave. 

Both parents gone, the three orphan children, Edward T., Isaac H., and 
Thomas L. Sturgeon, received more than tlie usual sympathy of relations; 
and their maternal uncle, Robert Tyler, took them to his house, and 
charged himself with their future welfare. Isaac was the second in age, 
and had good advantages of early mental training. He went to a school 
kept by Mr. Robert N. Smith, who was a good teacher, and possessed a 
cultivated intellect, and in 1837, having left this school, young Sturgeon 
engaged as a clerk to Mr. Willis Stewart, a grocer and commission mer- 
chant, at a salary of one hundred and seventy-five dollars per annum. 
He afterward became a clerk in the Chancery court at Louisville, where 
he remained for three years, when his health became impaired, and he 
was compelled to seek out-door employment, and obtained the situation 
of deputy-marshal of said court. 

While Mr. Sturgeon was attending to his duties as clerk and deputy- 
marshal, he devoted all of his leisure moments to the study of law, which 
he pursued in the office of Messrs. Guthrie & Taylor. In 1842, business 
called Mr. Sturgeon to St. Louis, and so well satisfied was he of its pro- 
spective advantages, that he determiiied, as soon as he could make circum- 
stances suit, he would permanently locate himself in it. In 1845, he 
carried this design into execution, in connection with his brother Thomas. 
He also obtained license to practice law. 

Mr. Sturgeon had not been long in St. Louis before he became known 
through his enterprise and business talents, and his suavity of manner 
made him popular with all classes of citizens. He and his brother, in 
connection with their own business, were agents of his aunt, Mrs. Tyler, 
who owned a large portion of landed estate, outside of the populous por- 
tion of the city, in the new city limits, and he went to Jefferson City to 
induce the legislature to grant a portion of the tax-money for the purpose 
of paving the streets. He employed all of his efforts to effect this purpose, 
but when it came before the house, his prayer was rejected. Not to be 
foiled in what he believed a just request, he again renewed his efforts, 
and, despite the most strenuous opposition, he succeeded in carrying his 
measure. 

When a boy, he joined the democratic party, when the state of Ken- 




ISAAC H. STURGEON, ESQ., 
Assistant United States Treasurer. 

(p. 469.) 

ENGKAVF.D EXPKEgSLY FOR THIS WORK FROM A niOTOGRAPIl BY BROWN. 



ISAAC H. STUKGEON. 471 



tucky was under whig control, and has never for a moment swerved from 
the political tenets he advocated in liis youth. In 1849 he was appointed 
director of the Bank of the state of Missouri by Governor King, and was 
one of the committee appointed to pray the legislature to grant one-half 
of the taxes of the new city limits during ten years, for paving the streets, 
and the prayer was granted at the close of the session, and all who hold 
real estate within the new limits are indebted to Mr. Sturgeon for the 
peculiar privileges which appertain to their property. 

In 1850, Mr. Sturgeon was again elected to the city council, and at 
this time, when the excitement between the Benton and anti-Benton party 
was at its height, he was the bitter opponent of the former party, and 
was most effective in exposing its inconsistencies, and defeating its favorite 
measures, lie went to Washington City on business, and while there, con- 
trary to his wishes and instructions, he was notnhiated by the anti-Benton 
party for the state senate, but the whole ticket was defeated. Mr. Stur- 
geon did not see any of his constituents until alter the election, being 
detained at the seat of government. However, in 1852 he was again 
nominated by the same part)'', and at the ensning election was elected by 
a large majonty. 

On going to Jefferson City the ensuing November, he met with one of 
those pleasant surprises which seldom- occur in a lifetime, and which 
cause the heart to overflow with emotions of gladness. Mr. Smith, his 
old tutor in Kentucky, had also arrived at the capital of the state, to take 
his seat as a member of the legislature, and being brought together under 
these circumstances afforded each more true joy than any success of party 
or public ovation. Both of them had immigrated to Missouri, and both 
had been called to honorable positions. 

Whilst a member of the senate, Mr. Sturgeon took a conspicuous part 
in all of the great measures of the day. He was made chairman of the 
committee on banks and corporations, also of ways and means, and was a 
great friend of the north Missouri and south-west branch of the Pacific 
railroad. He took strong grounds against banks of issue, believing that 
paper issue has only the tendency to make times easier in the season of gen- 
eral confidence, and where confidence is shaken to make them harder. He 
received his present appointment as assistant treasurer of the United States 
at St. Louis from Mr. Pierce, and subsequently was appointed by Mr. 
Buchanan. He has filled many high positions of trust. He has been five 
times president of the North Missouri Railroad, member of the state senate 
and city council, director of the Southern Bank, and his present ap- 
pointment shows the confidence reposed in him by the general govern- 
ment. 

Mr. Sturgeon was married December 16th, 1858, to Miss Nannie Celeste 
Allen, second daughter of the late Beverly Allen. As a politician, his 
course has always been noble, frank and consistent, and as a man his life 
has been made up with acts of kindness to others, and in neglecting no 
duty incumbent upon him to perform. 
21 



JOHN D. DAGGETT. 

John D. Daggett was born at Attleborongh, Massachusetts, October 
4th, 1793. His father, Benjamin Daggett, was a respectable merchant, and 
his ancestors are all of English origin. When very young, John became an 
inmate of the little village school of Attleborough, where he was kept, 
according to the practical customs of the times, until he became strong 
enough to do something for his own livelihood. At the age of thirteen, 
his father died, and he was taken from school and put to learn the trade 
of a machinist, and during the time he was thus engaged, his ingenuity 
was such, that he undertook, while yet a youth, the manufacture of musket- 
locks for the army at Pautucket in 1812, which he accomplished with 
entire satisfaction. 

In 1814, John D. Daggett determined, after the fashion of most of the 
young ambitious Yankees, to quit his home and seek his fortunes abroad. 
He first went to Philadelphia, where he pursued for a little while his trade, 
and after remaining there for a year he went to Pittsburg and engaged as 
salesman in a tin and copper store. He soon again changed his place of 
business, and then commenced as clerk in a silver-plating establishment. 
While engaged in that capacity, his employer, struck with his ingenuity 
and general ability, made him superintendent of the whole establishment. 
His time was then profitably and pleasantly employed, but he was solicited 
by Reuben Ncal, who first employed him when he came to Pittsburg, to 
accompany him to St. Louis. Having wished for some time to go to St. 
Louis, he agreed to the off"er of Mr. Neal, and started for St. Louis with a 
boat well laden with tin and copper-ware, and a variety of goods of this 
kind. He went down the Ohio and then up the Wabash to Vincennes, 
where he disposed of his merchandise in a most profitable manner, and 
came across on horseback to St. Louis. 

The St. Louis of 1817 bore but little resemblance to the St. Louis of 
the present time. There was no town west of Third street, and though 
most persons thought it a growing town, the most sanguine could not 
have hoped that it would, in so short a time, reach the magnitude and ap- 
pearance it now presents. Mr. Daggett, however, liked the appearance of 
the town, and resolved to accept the offer which Mr. Neal made to him 
of taking general charge in superintending his business, which he estab- 
lished in the tin and copper line on quite an extensive scale. He remained 
with Mr. Neal three years and a half, when, having gathered some capital, 
he resolved to go into business for himself, and forming a partnership, he 
commenced the commission business, the firm being Daggett & Haldman. 
This continued until 1822, when the firm dissolved, and Mr. Daggett went 
into the general merchandising, and remained in that connection for eight 
years. 

All of the varieties of business that he pursued he made lucrative by 
giving them his undivided attention, and conducting them in legitimate 
channels, never having ventured in the uncertain depths of hazardous 
speculation. He was always contented with his profits, though slow, and 
day by day there was a gradual but healthful growth to his fortune. 




JOHN D. DAGGETT, ESQ. 

(I> «3.) 

RNGRAVED EXPRESSLY FOR THIS WORK FROM A PHOTOr.KAPH BY TltDXKLL. 



i 



JOHN D. DAGGETT. 475 



On quitting the general merchandising business, as it was affecting his 
health, Mr. Daggett was in possession of considerable capital, and he went 
into the steamboat business, purchasing an interest in a steamboat, and 
then serving upon her, either in the capacity of captain or clerk. He ran 
principally between St. Louis and New Orleans, and was at one time in 
the command of the steamer Oceana, which, when first built, was the 
most beautiful boat that floated upon the Mississippi. He remained six 
years in steamboating, which, like every thing he undertook, yielded him 
certain profit and enlarged his fortune. 

On releasing himself from this pursuit, Mr. Daggett purchased an inter- 
est in the Sectional Floating Dock Company, and became the general agent 
and superintendent of the business of the corporation. While engao-ed 
in this business, it occurred to him there should be another company in 
existence, and when the time was i-ipe for such a corporation, through his 
instrumentality ^the Floating Dock Insurance Company was established, 
which niay be said to be the natural production of the other ; of this 
company he was for a long time director and president. This corporation 
has thriven since it has come into existence, wields a large capital, and 
exercises considerable influence. 

Though domestic in hi§ habits, and giving all of his time to his busi- 
ness pursuits, in 1841 the whig party nominated him against his will for 
mayor, and he may be said to have been dragged into the political 
contest. He was elected ; for the people had all confidence in his integ- 
rity and knew him to be a working man, so diff"erent from those who pursue 
politics as a profession and who seek oflfice with no other intention but to 
make what spoil they can out of it. After his term as mayor expired, 
Mr. Daggett never again ventured into the political field, for the turbulent 
confusion of which his inclination and habits of life were so unsuitable. 

Mr. Daggett was married February 10th, 1821, to Miss Sarah Sparks, 
daughter of Samuel Sparks, Esq., of Maine. He has been identified with 
a variety of different pursuits and been successful in all. He is friendly in 
his relations with everyone, discriminating in his judgment, and possesses 
that quality so rare in these days of vanity, a diffidence as to his own 
worth. He has held other positions of trust than those we have men- 
tioned, for his connection with any business gives it additional weight and 
importance before the community. He has been a director in the 
Citizens' Insurance Company, and president of the Gas Company ; also 
one of its corporators, and served some time as secretary and treasurer. 
He resigned his office in favor of Mr. Edward Stagg, the efficient secre- 
tary of the company. He was also a member of the Board of Aldermen 
for two years, and was also street commissioner. 

Mr. Daggett has for forty years been connected with the Masonic fra- 
ternity, and has held every office conferred by the order in the state of 
Missouri, and is now the treasurer of five distinct Masonic lodges. 

In the decline of his life, Mr. Daggett possesses an ample fortune, which 
he deserves to enjoy, for he has made it in legitimate channels. He com- 
menced life a poor boy, and what friends he has since made, what worldly 
goods he has since gathered, have been the natural consequence of probity 
of character and an untiring devotion to business pursuits. He has truly 
been the architect of his own fortune, and his success teaches an instruct- 
ive and useful lesson to posterity. 



REV. TRUMAN MARCELLUS POST. 

Tfus well-known author and divine was born June 3d, ISIO,. at Middle- 
biuT, Vermont. Roswell Post, his grandfather, was a native of Connecti- 
cut, and was one of the brave band commanded by Ethan Allen, in his 
attack upon Ticonderoga, and took an active part afterward in the Revo- 
lutionary War, being present at the battle of Bennington^ and rendering 
other Tmportant services to his country at this critical period. The father 
of the subject of this sketch was a member of the legal profession, at 
Middlebury, and at one time was a clerk of the legislature of Vermont. 
He died early in life, in 1811, leaving three children, the youngest of 
whom was the subject of this biography,, then an infant. 

T. M. Post received a good education, and early evinced a predisposition 
to study, and a love of literature. He was happy when surrounded by 
his books; but when he was fourteen years of age, his sensitive nature 
received a clieck, which stopped the flow of the genial feelings incident 
to youth, and filled his heart with sadness. He had to exile liimsclf from 
his mother's roof, on account of a disagreement with his step-father, and, 
at that early age had to become an actor in the drama of life.. He, how- 
ever, coutinued to prosecute his studies, and in 1829 graduated, with the 
highest honors of his class, at Middlebury College, Vermont; and then, 
afterward, became tutor, which still more thoroughly accomplished him 
in his studies. He then commenced the study of law, and, having quali- 
fied himself in his profession, came West in 1833, 

Mr. Post was an accomplished scholar, and was appointed Professor of 
Ancient Languages in Illinois College, which position,, in connection with 
the Chair of History, he held till 1847. During that time two important 
events occurred. In 1836, he was married to Miss Frances A. Henshaw, 
of Middlobury, Veitnont, whose ancestors came early to this country, a 
portion under the Protectorate, in 1653, and another portion in 1620, in 
the " Mayflower." In 1840, he was appointed to take the pastoral charge 
of the Congregational Church at Jacksonville, Illinois-, where he remained 
until 1 847 ; and then, from repeated solicitations, consented to take charge 
of the Tliird Presbyterian Church at St. Louis, for four years. Since that 
time has expired, he has ministered to the Congregational Church. 

The talents of ]\^j'. Post, as a pastor, are of a very high order. He is 
engaging in his manner, earnest in the delivery of his sermons, and his 
language flows with that grace and polish so significant of profound schol- 
arship. He is also an author, and his productions have justly an extensive 
reputation. 




UEV. TRUMAN MARGE LLUS POST. 

(p. 477.) 

ENORAVF.D EXPKE88LY FOR THIS WOKK FKOM A PHOTOGRAPH I!T BROWN. 




W I L L I A M T . CHRISTY, ESQ. 

(p. 479.) 

ENGRAVED EXPUESSLT FOP. THIS WOEK FROM A PIIOTOGKAFU BY BROWN. 



WILLIAM T. CHRISTY. 

Wm. T. Christy was born June 20, 1803, in Clarke county, Kentucky. 
Both of his grandfathers were natives of Virginia, and, animated by the 
wild spirit of independence so characteristic of the first settlers, started for 
Kentucky, and located near Georgetown and Boonesborough, of that state, 
when the savages, with all of their murderous instincts in fall action, were 
waging war upon tlrat soil, which, to this day, is known as "the Bloody 
Ground," Though risking all things themselves, they did not remove their 
families to the state until 1785, when the Indians had been driven from 
the hunting-ground, which, for y-ears, they had fought with the fury of 
demons to maintain. It was on the "Bloody Ground" that the subject of 
this memoir was born, and, in his 'childhood, he has often heard some of 
the old pioneers relate scraps of the fearful history connected with that 
period. 

The education of young Christy was confined to the country school- 
house, which any boy of quick parts could soon exhaust of its mental 
supply; and, at the age of thirteen, he entered the store of his elder bro- 
ther, at Winchester, Ky., and there remained, until 1817, when his brother 
gave up his business from declining health. After the death of his brother, 
he sought employment in Richmond of the siime state, and was taken into 
the service of J. A. Grimes, with whom he remained a year; and then 
repaired to Glasgow, Barron county, where he entered the store of his 
namesake and kinsman. Wan. T. Bush, and sojourned with him for three 
years. Leaving Glasgow, he went to Louisville, and was engaged as book- 
keeper for Messrs. Duncan, Dobbin tk Co. He did not remain long in 
his new situation, but, having formed the acquaintance of Mr. James Falls, 
a warm friendship sprung up between them, and this was followed by a 
busirress alliance; and the two, with a ciipital of |-.3,oOO, entered business 
in Russelville. 

Mr. Christy went on to Philadelphia, to purchase goods, and, in these 
times such a journey was to be dreaded, as, from Kentucky to Baltimore, 
it had to be performed on horseback. On this journey, he met with an 
accident, which compelled him to make his debut as a merchant, in the 
streets of Philadelphia, on crutches. 

The career of the new firm. Falls & Christy, established in Russelville 
in the autumn of 1822, was a prosperous one, although a deranged and 
fictitious currency kept the young men in a continual alarm, as the paper 
money, even in the season of comparative confidence, was fifty per cent. 
when exchanged for specie. Believing, however, that Tennessee offered 
greater inducements for business, the firm removed their stock to Mur- 
freesboro', where they entered upon a lucrative trade, which continued for 



482 WILLIAM T. CHRISTY. 



four years ; and, at the expiration of that time, Mr, Falls having- married 
in Nashville, and wishing to reside in that city, he offered to sell out his 
interest to Mr. Christy, which was accepted. The partnership had sub- 
sisted for six years, and Mr. Christy frequently alludes to the rare business 
qualities and sterling worth of the partner of bis early years, who is now 
deceased. 

After the withdrawal of Mr. Falls, Mr. Christy determined, if possible, 
to induce Mr. James Woods to enter with him in business relations, as he 
had known him for several years, and thought him a proper substitute for 
the partner who had retired. Mr. Woods accepted the invitation, and the 
firm of Wm. T. Christy & Co. was well known for years in the vicinity, 
by the extent of their business, and enjoyed the unlimited confidence of 
the people. In 1836, the firm had amassed so considerable a fortune, 
that their capital became unwieldy in so small a place, and they deter- 
mined on removing to St. Louis, where tliey could extend, ad libitum, 
their business. At this time a younger brother of Mr. Christy's was 
admitted into the concern, and then the name which the firm now bears, 
Woods, Christy <fe Co., was adopted. The new firm was started in St. 
Louis in the spring of 1831, and had but fairly entered upon the new 
theatre of action, before the muttering indications, which had been heard 
for some time, in the financial world, grew louder and more threatening, 
and at last the storm burst with a fury unknown before in the business 
annals of the country, and many of the old established houses tottered and 
fell, never to rise again. The house of Woods, Christy & Co. survived 
amid the almost general ruin, and from that period to the present time, 
has done a most extensive and lucrative business, and is well known to 
the commercial community. In 1857, it again had to sustain the financial 
earthquake, which shook, with ruinous effect, both this country and Europe ; 
but it stood the shock unscathed. 

In 1832, Mr. Christy married Ellen P., daughter of Calvin and Sarah 
Morgan, of Knoxville, Tenn., and has had seven children, five of whom are 
now living. Amid the absorbing pursuits of business life, Mr. Christy has 
been attentive to his religious duties, and is a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. He has been connected with several insurance com- 
panies, and, for sixteen years, has been a director of the Bank of Missouri. 
He has established a reputation of which any one may be proud ; and, for 
his moral and business worth, there is no man better known in St. Louis, 
or more highly estimated as a citizen. 




THOMAS A BUCK LAND, ESQ. 

(p. 483.) 

ENGRAVKn EXPRE8SI.V FOR THIS WORK FROM A PHOTOGRAPH BY TROXELL. 



THOMAS A. BUCK LAND. 

He who has reaped a plenteous harvest in tlie field where he has 
labored, and has won an honorable name in the community where he has 
lived, well deserves a biography ; and the events of his life furnish a use- 
ful lesson to posterity. 

The subject of this memoir was born in the county of Sussex, England.- 
Ilis parents belonged to the honest yeomanry of that country, who brought 
up their children to habits of industry, and early instilled into them the 
love and practice of the moral attributes. They gave their children a 
practical education, and then set them to work in some suitable business, 
Thomas, after receiving his share of schooling, was sent to learn the mill- 
ing business, and his father, for this privilege, had to pay his instructor the 
sum of five hundred dollars. Jle remained under instruction for three 
years and a half, and taking the fever of emigration, which everywhere 
spread around him, he started for the city of New York, where he arrived 
in 1830. From there he went to Rochester on a tour of observation, and, 
after a short sojourn, seeing nothing attractive in the way of business pur- 
suits, which he thought would quickly remunerate his efforts, he started 
for St. Louis, which had commenced making some noise in the commer- 
cial world. While on his way, he formed the acijuaintancc of Mr. Charles 
Todd, on board of a steamboat, and a friendship was cemented between 
the two, which exists to the present time, and has extended to other por- 
tions of the family. 

At that time, there were but two mills in St. Louis, and Mr. Buckland 
determined on visiting the flourishing cities on the Mississippi, before per- 
manently locating himself, lie was at Quincy, Naples, and other places, 
and, at the former place, while he was waiting for the materials to be 
brought, to repair a mill, the work which he had engaged to do, he went 
to mauling rails, so as not to lose, in idleness, time which could be profitable, 
devoted to other pursuits. 

Leaving all of these towns, with the conviction that St. Louis furnished 
the best opening for the thorough business man, he returned, and engaged 
as millet with Daniel D. Page, the most extensive milling merchant in the 
place. His salary was ^60U per annum, and found in board. Leaving 
this situation, Mr. Buckland went to La Grange, where he built a mill, and 
carried it on for the six ensuing years. Then, quitting La Grange, he came 
again to St. Louis, and there purchased the Park Mills, then a diminutive 
concern, and no more like the present Park Mills, than a pigmy is like a 
giant. It was burnt, and then built in its jjresent improved style, in 
1849. Mr. Buckland, even in his early days, when his battle with the 
world was the strongest, supported his mother and his sister, and has 
since educated three of his brother's children, sending them to the first 
institutions and colleges. 

Mr. Buckland has been very active in the fire department, and has 
passed through all the different grades of oflSce, from a runner with the 
engine to being president of the Firemen's Association. lie took a very 



^^^ THOMAS A. BUCKLAND. 



active part in the adoption of the steam-engine in the department and 

necessity of a M.IIers Exchange, now known as the Merchants' Exchange 
and IS connected with some of the most important corporations of the c" tv 
He was one of the corporators of the Milled and Manufacturers' In urance 
Company, also a director ; director in tl>e Mechanics' Bank ; in the West- 
ern R.ver Wrecking Company; in the Masonic Hall A sociat on, also 
A "oTtiL "h- ' "' "^.^-P^^'^^^^-^ «f the St. Louis Mutual Building 




K 1) W A R I) WALSH, ESQ. 

.p. 4S-.) 
KN«KAVEI> KXIMtKSSI.Y KOR THIS WORK IP.OM A I'lIOTOfiRAl'H BY BROWN. 



EDWARD WALSH. 

The subject of this memoir was born in the county of Tipperary, Ire- 
land, December 27th, 1798. His father was an industrious fanner having 
a large family of children, eleven in number, all of whom he raised in the 
habits of industry and economy. "He sent his children to school until they 
were large enough to fill a situation, and they were then put to some 
employment. 

Young Edward Walsh was suffered to remain at school until twelve 
years of age, and was then put into the store of a cousin, where he re- 
mained for four years. After the expiration of that period, he went into 
business with his brother, who kept a mill and brewing establishment, 
where he staid until 1818, when he received a letter from his cousin in 
Louisville, which determined him to exile himself from the green fields of 
Erin and seek a home in the United States of America, where the in- 
stitutions were not under royal control, and where the prospects of success 
in the business walks of life were so much more flattering. He made 
hasty preparations for his journey, and departing from his native land, 
reached New York June 7tii, 1818. 

In those early days the iron horse was not known, and all long journeys 
had to be performed on horseback ; and it was on horseback that Edward 
Walsh perforrned his journey from Baltimore to Pittsburg, at which place 
he got a flat-boat and took passage to Louisville, and arrived there, after 
a tedious passage on the Ohio, of forty days. At that time Louisville did 
not have tlie hygienic celebrity it now enjoys, and was known, on the con- 
trary, as being the seat of malignant maladies, which circumstance influ- 
enced Edward Walsh to leave the town and start for Missouri. He came 
to St. Louis in October 1818, and after understanding well the neighbor- 
ing localities, he determined to settle at St. Genevieve county, where he 
put up a mill. In this pursuit he remained engaged at St. Genevieve very 
profitably until 1824, when he sold out his business, and after a little 
time spent in St. Louis in determining upon another suitable location, he 
went to Madison county, where he again engaged in the mill business, but 
remaining but a short time, he agjiin sold out and returned to St. Louis, 

At that time Edward Walsh deterniined upon changing his pursuit, 
and, in partnership with his brother, entered upon the general inercliand- 
ising business, the firm being known as J. «fc E. Walsh. Not being partial 
to his new vocation, in 1831 he sold out his interest and commenced mill- 
ing on a large scale in St. Louis, having three mills, one of which is still 
running, and having been in constant operation since 1827, has manufac- 
tured more flour than any other mill in St. Louis. 

As a miller, as in every thing else, Edward Walsh was successful, and 
he then became connected with the steamboat business, and so largely at 



490 EDWARD WALSH. 



one time, that he had invested more than $100,000. He possessed an 
"interest in some of the finest boats that landed on the levee of St. Louis. 
He has also dealt largely in lead, which, by the alchemical virtues of in- 
dustry and judgment, he transmuted into golden profits for himself. 

In writing the biography of Edward Walsh, we feel it a bounden duty 
to pay a passing tribute to the worth and merits of his brother, John 
Walsh, now deceased, with whom he was identified so many years in 
business pursuits. 

John Walsh, during his life, was esteemed for his business capacity, and 
those pure principles of character which go to make up the truly hon- 
orable man. He was not only successful in his business calling, but he 
was emphatically a lover of the human family — known for his benevolence 
and his charities, and endeared to a large circle of friends. He has shuf- 
fled oft" liis "mortal coil," but his virtues live after him ; and when the 
name of John Walsh is now mentioned, it is with that respect which a 
character so pure as his so well deserves from posterity. 

Mr. Walsh has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Maria 
Tucker, whom he married in 1822, and his present wife, whom he mar- 
ried February 11th, 1840, was Miss Julia Denum. He has been connected 
with many of our public institutions, for his name has good weight and 
strength in the business world, and is an important auxiliary to any thing 
to which it is attached. Since the first establishment of the Bank of the 
State of Missouri, he has been one of its directors. He was also a director 
in the old Missouri Insurance Company, and is a director of the Union 
Insurance Company. 

Mr. W^alsh's business capacities are second to no one in St. Louis. He 
has a judgment that never errrs in its calculation, and an industry that is 
untiring in its pursuit of business. He commenced the world witliout the 
gifts of fortune or the aid of auspicious patronage, but made his way to 
wealth and influence by his own eff'orts, and is indebted to no extraneous 
aid for their possession. When a boy he came to a new continent, and 
without any adventitious aid has become one of the leading business men 
in the state of his adoption. 




JONATHAN JONES, ESQ 

(p. 491.) 

ENGRAVED EXPRESSLY FOR T1118 WORK FROM A PHOTOCiRAPlI RY TROXEI.L. 



F. L. RIDGELY, 

PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF UNDERWRITERS. 

This well-known gentleman was born in the city of Baltimore, October 
21st, 1803. Noah and Hannah Ridgely, his parents^ were respectable per- 
sons in humble circumstances in Baltimore, having sufficient to procure 
for tlieir family all of the necessary comforts, but nothing to justify any 
indulgence of luxurious taste, or any relaxation of habits of untiring in- 
dustry. Consequently, directly the family had acquired a sufficiency 
of education to fit them for business pursuits, they were immediately put 
to pursue some honest avocation. 

F. L. Ridgely, the subject of this memoir, was kept at school until seven- 
teen years of age, and then learned his first practical lessons of business, 
as clerk, in the store of Ridgely & Edgar. After remaining in that 
capacity for some time, he started for the West Indies and Spanish Main, 
on a trading voyage, in which he was engaged for two years, and en- 
tered into the South American trade, where he was successful. 

After releasing himself from these commercial pursuits, Mr. Ridgely, in 
1828, at the solicitation of his brother. Dr. Richard Ridgely, who was 
about paving a visit to his uncle, Mr. Nicholas Ridgely, then of St. 
Louis, and now a wealthy citizen of Springfield, Illinois, determined to 
see the Western country, concerning which he had heard such marvellous 
accounts. In this trip, he visited St. Louis, and so pleased was he with 
the briskness of its business aspect, that he made up his mind to locate 
himself in the fast-growing city. He commenced first as clerk on the 
steamboat "Missouri," where he remained two years; he then associated 
liimself with Mr. J. H. Gay for three years, when he retired from busi- 
ness, which had yielded during that time, very handsome business 
returns. 

Mr. Ridgely, after giving up business, again connected himself with 
steamboats, and, as clerk, captain, and owner, remained in the business 
for several years. In 1840, he was elected secretary of the Union Insurance 
Company, and served in that capacity for ten years, when he was elected 
president, and still continues in that honorable relation. He was the 
eldest child of his parents, and is brother to the wife of Mr. Brownlee, 
president of the Merchants' Bank, and also to Mrs. O. Shaw. One of 
his brothers, Lieutenant Henderson Ridgely, of the light infantrv, was 
killed in the Mexican war. He was mairied to Miss Eleanore, daughter 
of Mr. John B. Robert, of Lexington, Kentucky, a native of France. 

Mr. Ridgely has been successful in the various relations of life in 
which he has been engaged. This success is not to be attributed to the 
exploded doctrine of being " born under an auspicious star,"' but to his 
judgment, his foresight, and his habits of untiring industry. 




F. L. RIDGELY. 

President of the Board of Underwritera. 



I p. 495.) 



KNGRAVED EXPKES8LY FOE THIS WORK FROM A PHOTOGRAPH BY BROW. 



(:,:^''''WMr 



\ iB^ "SiS^ ;{; 



'';:i?^^- 







J OHN H. GAY, ESQ. 

(p. 4ti7.) 

KNGKATRO KXPUFSSI.T FOR THIS WORK FHOM A I'lIOTOi.ltAl'Il BY mioWN. 



JOHN H. GAY. 

John H. Gay was born October Yth, 1*787, in Staunton, Augusta county, 
Virginia. His pjirents wore in moderate circumstances, owning the farm 
on which tliev resided, and were devoted to the welfare of their children. 
They sold out their property, and went into the state of South Carolina, 
where they lived but a short time ; for they lost both liealth and property, 
and left their family in destitute circumstances. However, Henry Gay 
and his wife were well-beloved by their friends, and, immediately on their 
demise, they sent for the children, took them to their homes in Virginia, 
and properly cared for them. 

John Gay was the eldest of this family of children, and, after receiving 
schooling sutficient to qualify him for business pursuits, commenced, at the 
age of twentv, to learn the tanning and currier business. From the very 
outset, he evinced that judgment and activity in business, which have 
always marked his career, and insured him success in every thing he 
undertook. It was but a short period before- he purchased the concern 
of his employer, and carried on the business in a profitable manner on his 
own account. It was during this time that he united himself in wedlock 
to Miss Sophia Mitchell, daughter of the Rev. Edward Mitchell, their mar- 
riage bearing date August 7th, 1813. 

After the expiration of two years, during which he carried on the tan- 
ning and currii^r business, Mr. Gay sold out, and went to Liberty,-where 
he commenced trading in cattle. He was not engaged very long in this 
new vocation, which he carried on with great profit,, before he resolved to 
leave Liberty, and enter upon a new pursuit.. In 1819, he went to St. 
Clair county, Illinois, where he purchased a farm, and pursued the voca- 
tion of an agriculturist, for several years. The farm on which he then 
resided he still owns. In 1824, he gave up farming pursuits, and put into 
execution a design which he had formed some time previously, and came 
to St. Louis, where he commenced the life of a merchant; and, having 
associated with Mr. Estis, a firm caHed Gay and Estis sprung into exist- 
ence, and they were soon known as growing men, and worthy of the con- 
fidence and support of the community. 

Each year gave to the new firm increased strength and resources, and 
year by year the business extended, and soon became extensive in its mag- 
nitude. While on the full tide to fortune, the firm became extinct by the 
death of Mr. Estis, and then Mr. Gay took entire charge of the concern. 
This was in 1833, and so assiduously did he devote himself to his busi- 
ness, which, from its extent, required continual watchfulness, to keep all 
of its parts in a healthful condition, that his constitution failed, from its 
mass of care and labor, and, finding no remedy by which his health could 
be recruited, but a total abandonment of his business, he sold out to 
Messrs. Ridgely and Billon. 

Mr. Gay has three children, two sons and a daughter. The eldest son, 
Edward J. Gay, was born February 3, 1816,. and married Miss Maria 
Hines, daughter of Colonel Hinesy "of NashvUte,. Tennessee. The other 



500 JOHN II. GAY. 

son, William T. Oay, was l)orn in St. Louis, October 15th, 1828, and mar- 
ried Miss Sallie liass, <laui,diter of Mr. Eli Bass, of Boone couiitv. The 
daughter, Miss Eliza M. (iay, is the wife of Dr. Meredith of St, Louis. 
The two sons of John IL <Jay, Vliosc names we have just given, are 
members of the lirm of Gay it Co., who carry on so successfully the whole- 
sale grocery business in the city. There is no liouse in St. Louis whose 
character and credit are liigher established, and wlio enjoy more fully 
the confidence of the public. 

John II. Gay has been a citizen of St. Louis, and in all of the manifold 
operations connected with an extensive business, for thirty-five years, and 
there is no one who can say tliat he has done an action derogatory to the 
merchant, and unworthy of a man. For a score of years, he has been 
connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is a member of the 
Centenary Church, and is also one of its trustees. He has been most 
fortunate in the utmost sense. lie has won for himself an lionorcd name, 
has gathered worldly goods sufficient to satisfy his utinost wishes, and the 
greatest feat lie has accomplished, is raising his children to tread in his 
own footstc})s, and who have not diverged from tlie track he instructed 
them to pursue, nor forsaken the precepts he early inculcated on them 
to practice. 

When a brajich of the old United States Bank was established in St. 
Louis, Mr. (Jay was one of its directors, and, with his honorable compeers, 
so managed the institution, that, in the general rupture of the parent bank 
and all of its branches, the one in Missouri wound up with but the insig- 
nificant loss of one Imndred and twenty-five dollars, whilst the failure of 
most of the other branches revealed a terrible deficit, and a system of 
fraud practised by their officers, which caused the wreck of many a for- 
tune, and the distraction of many an intellect. He is director of the old 
Missouri Insurance Company, and is one of the pioneer merchants who 
so efiiciently assisted in giving to St. Louis its brilliant business position. 




ALO NZ <» <: Jl 1 I, I) . 

(]>. M)l.) 
KNOIIAVF.D EXPKHHHI.Y FOR Tlim WOI!K I'l'.IlM A I'lloini; I'.A I'll liV Bl:<)WN. 



ALONZO CHILD. 

Alonzo Child was born July 21st, 1807, in Rutland county, state of 
Vermont. lie is a scion of an old and most respectable English family 
of Worcestershire, and the first member emigrated to this country in 1G30, 
and landed at Boston. His name was Benjamin Child, and from him 
there are numerous descendants, and it may be said that some of them 
are eminent, and all of them occupy most respectable spheres of life. 
The family are remarkable for their health, vigor, enterprise, and longevity, 
and Ebenezer Child, the father of the subject of this memoir, is now 
living in Castleton, Vermont, at the advanced age of ninety-one. 

Alonzo Child received an excellent education in his youth, having been 
first sent to the country schools, and then for several years to the Brandon 
Academy. 

At the age of eighteen, his eyes became diseased, and he became en- 
tirely blind for the space of two years; but having visited some of the 
eminent physicians of Boston, he received benefit from their remedies, 
and gradually recovered his sight, which he and his friends had feared 
was lost forever. This infirmity necessarily doomed him to inaction for 
several years, and checked his exertions in the very May-day of life, 
when the spirits are most genial in their flow, and most ardent for the 
trials and success of business pursuits. It was two years that he suftered 
from his affliction, and having partially recovered, commenced business 
in 1820, in Lowell, Massachusetts, by introducing the anthracite coal 
stoves, invented by the Rev. Dr. Nott — one of the most erudite scholars 
of the day, and so long the president of Union College, which he so 
richly endowed at his death — who furnished him with a large consignment 
for the purpose of starting him in business. 

Alonzo Child was careful at first to keep his business in a contracted 
sphere, but when he understood properly its tendencies and his bearing, 
he extended it as his patronage increased, and soon carried on a hard- 
ware store, in connection with other manufactures, of considerable extent. 
So as still more to extend his business, he entered into copartnership 
with Stephen Mausur, with whom he continued in an agreeable business 
connection for several years. Stephen Mausur, his former partner, is now 
the efficient and popular mayor of Lowell. 

From its contiguity to Boston, Mr. Child felt convinced that Lowell 
would never be a city of very great commercial importance, and he deter- 
mined to remove to some point where he could enlarge his business to 
a greater extent than he could in that town, and, winding up his concern, 
started on a visit of examination through the principal cities of the Union. 
He visited in his tour St. Louis, and his practical knowledge at once led 
him to believe that a splendid future awaited it, from the peculiar ad- 
vantages of its location. He had found what he wished for, a city with 
all the elements of business vitality, and which promised in time to be 
scarcely second in magnitude to any city in the Union. He commenced 
in 1835, the hardware business, in which he continues to this time. 



504 ALONZO CHILD 



The business career of Mr. Child in St. Louis, has been a most prosper- 
ous one. His business talents, liis industry, and liis energy, would have 
made liini partially successful in any place; but in St. Louis, where there 
was such an ample field for their development, Mr. Child has reached a 
position in the business world which nuist satisfy all of his business 
aspirations. He is the senior partner of the well-known house of Child, 
Pratt & Co., and his name has an influence both in business and social 
circles, the result of successful enterprise and exalted merit. Though he 
has amassed a fortune sufficient to supply all the luxuries which even a 
devotee of pleasure might require, he still pursues his usual routine of 
business habits, with nearly the same ardor which characterized him in 
his early years ; and his remarkable diligence furnishes a salutary example 
to the young members of his establishment. 

In 1843-4, Mr. Child visited Europe, and spent several months in that 
country, in completing arrangements for direct importations of his goods, 
and his house has a fame second to none in the Western country. Since 
1850, he resides principally near Tarry town, on the Hudson River, but 
spends the winter season in St. Louis. 

August 28th, 1838, he married Miss Mary Goodrich, daughter of James 
Goodrich, formerly of Massachusetts. They are a Scotch family, and the 
wife of Mr. Goodrich was a Wallace, and a lineal descendant of the martyr 
to Scottish liberty. Mr. Child has seven children, and in his domestic 
relations is an exemplary husband and father. 




,,„*^»'' 



DR. CHARLES A. POPE. 

(11. r,()5.) 

KNORAVKD KXl'EEBSLY FOR TUIS WOKK KliOM A l'HOT0(;BAl-ll liY liBOWN. 



DK. CHARLES A. POPE. 

This distinguished surgeon, who now occupies the cliair of surgery ii. 
St. Louis Medical College, was born March 15th, 1818, at Huntsville. 
Alabama. His father, Benjamin S. Pope, was a respectable planter, in 
liberal circumstances of life, and gave his son all the advantages of an 
early education. When he arrived at the proper age, he was sent to thr 
Greene Academy at Huntsville, and was then transferred to the University 
of Alabama, where he passed through the prescribed course of collegiate 
study. Returning to his native town, he commenced the study of his 
profession with Drs. Fearn and Erskine, physicians of extensive practice, 
and accomplished in their profession. He then went to the Cincinnati 
Medical College, and attended a course of lectures, and believing he would 
have still greater advantages by going to the University of Pennsylvania. 
he became one of the students of that justly-celebrated institution, wherr 
he remained until he graduated. 

From a boy, Dr. Pope was of a sanguine temperament, and ambitious 
of success ; and after graduating at Philadelphia, he determined to put 
the last finish on an education which had been carefully conducted from 
the commencement, by a visit to Flurope. He travelled extensively in 
France and Germany, and resided two years in Paris, that he might learn 
all that appertained to his profession, and more particularly in the brand 
of surgery, which had been brought to such perfection in France. In 1841 
Dr. Pope returned from Europe, and, satisfied that he had sought every 
source that could avail him, he came to St. Louis, and confidently opened 
his oflice for practice. He was highly accomplished in his profession, 
which, together with his urbanity of manner and high moral attributes, 
soon brought him before the public, and scarcely a year had elapsed since 
his advent in St. Louis, before he was elected professor of anatomy in the 
medical department of the St. Louis University. After filling that chaii 
for some years, he received the appointment of professor of surgery, whicl. 
chair he still occupies. 

On April 14th, 1846, Dr. Pope was united in marriage to Miss Carolins 
O'Fallon, daughter of Colonel John O'Fallon, of St. Louis. In the par 
ticular branch of his profession, to which he has devoted his closest at- 
tention, there are few who do not acknowledge his supremacy. He hac 
rare advantages, from a youth, and he embi-aced them to the utmost, s*^ 
that now his fame as a surgeon has extended throughout the Union. Th( 
St. Louis Medical College, with which Dr. Pope is connected, stands in 
the first rank of medical institutions, and is richly provided with every 
essential for a complete medical education. 

As a citizen. Dr. Pope has proved his devotion to the welfare of Si. 
Louis, by the active part he has taken with regard to the common schools. 
and has assisted to bring about the present efficient system, under whicl 
they so healthfully exist. He is chairman of the committee of High 
Normal Schools; is a trustee of the Washington University; and one o' 
the managers of the O'Fallon Polytechnic Institute. 

Dr. Pope is in the very meridian of life, and has already gathere<' 
laurels of which any man may be proud. He has fame, position, aiK 
affluence, and when scarcely thirty-five years of age was elected the eightli 
president of the American Medical Association. 
22 



ROBERT BARTH. 

Robert Barth was born March IGtli, 1815, at Torgan, in the country 
of Prussia. His parents were in respectable circumstances in life, and 
Robert received a good business education, having been sent first to the 
ordinary schools of the country, and then, at the age of fourteen, was sent 
to a commercial college at Magdeburg, Avhere he remained four years. 
His education then being completed, he entered as clerk in the grocery 
and produce business, where he remained seven years, and leaving that 
place, went to Hamburg, still in the capacity of clerk, and got ready em- 
ployment. 

While a resident of Hamburg, Mr. Barth heard of the West Indies, 
and thought of settling in some one of that famous cluster of islands; 
but during his voyage he changed his mind, determining to visit first the 
United States, and arrived in New York in 1839. He thought it first 
advisable to sec the country before fixing his residence, and, travelling 
through the west, came to the city of St. Louis. He arrived in December 
1839, and the city pleasing him, he determined to commence business in 
it. He was a perfect stranger, with but little means ; but having a great 
deal of self-reliance in his composition, he made up his mind to commence 
and succeed. Chance threw him in the way of Mr. Angelrodt, one of the 
first German settlers in Missouri, and a most influential citizen, who took 
him into his establishment, the firm being Carstens, Angelrodt & Co., 
engaged in the commission and grocery business. 

Young Barth was always ambitious of success, and soon, by applica- 
tion, diligence, and economy, gained the entire confidence of his employers, 
and became a member of the firm, which changed to Angelrodt, Eggers 
& Barth; and in 1850 was changed to Angelrodt & Barth, which still 
continues. 

It is natural for any one with a cultivated mind to take an interest in 
every measure connected with mental cultivation ; and Mr. Barth used all 
of his eftbrts in promoting the establishment of the Mercantile Library, 
which is now one of the boasted institutions of St. Louis. He was married 
to Miss Sophia Angelrodt, March 15th, 1847, the daughter of his first 
friend and employer in St. Louis ; and so effectually has he won the public 
confidence of the citizens, that he was appointed as agent by the city 
authorities to negotiate city bonds in Europe. Pie has been a director 
of the Pacific Railroad, and consul and vice-consul of several German 
states, director of the Perpetual Insurance Company since 1843, is u 
director of the Phoenix Floating-Dock Company, and is the efficient 
president of the German Saving Institution, so high in the confidence of 
the community. 




ROBERT B A R T H • 

(I.. r,oo.) 

ENGP-AVED EXl-KESSLY FOU THIS WORK FROM A PHOTO.,KAP.i l.Y TKOXEl.L 




JOHN WITHNELL, ESQ. 

(p. -Ml.) 

ENGRAVED EXl-BESSLY FOR THIS WOKK FROM A PHOTOGRAI'II BY TKoXEM, 



JOHN WITIINELL. 

Whoever achieves fortune and social position by his own eftbits, and 
preserves at the same time an unblemislied reputation, is a credit to 
humanity, and is a safe example and guide to succeeding generations. 
The subject of this memoir belongs to this class of persons, who, by their 
own untiring energy and business talent, have risen by degrees to prom- 
inence among their fellovv-mcn ; and whose purity of character the foul 
breath of calumny has never aspersed. 

John Withnc'll was born March 19th, 1806, at Chorley, Lancashire, 
England. His father, John Withnell, after whom he was named, was an 
honorable and practical business man, and his mother, Elizabeth Spencer, 
was of an old Catholic family, and a woman remarkable for her Christian 
and domestic virtues. 

John Withnell, the elder, was a lumber merchant and builder, who early 
instilled into the minds of his children the principles of integrity and 
self-reliance as the great secrets of life. He gave them all a sound 
English education, sufficient to fit them for any vocation ; and then, this 
done, he felt confident, from the precepts and example he had given them, 
that they would steer safely and successfully their course ; nor has he been 
mistaken. He had three sons and tliree daughters. Two of the latter 
died before forming any alliance in life, and the youngest, Elizabeth, is 
still living, having married Mr. William Smith, of her native town. All 
of the sons have been busy reapers in the harvest-field of life, and have 
garnered amply of its riches. One of them, William, went to the West 
Indies, where he soon, by his talents, assumed a most prominent position, 
and became most fortunate in all of his business connections, and now 
lives in Liverpool, in the quiet enjoyment of the independence he has 
acquired. Another son, Thomas, is successfully following the occupation 
of an architect in Spain ; and the father still lives, at an advanced age, 
and sees with pride, that the example he set in life, and the principles 
he inculcated, have been followed by his children. 

At the age of fourteen, John Withnell was taken from school, and, 
after spending some time at home in employment, was apprenticed to 
the stone-cutting business, and remained in that capacity, in Liverpool, for 
five )'ears. He was always attentive to his work, and perfected himself 
in all of its details; for he had determined to be in the first rank of his 
vocation, and win his way to fortune. 

After leaving Liverpool, he returned home for a short time, and made 
preparations to sail for America. Ho had, for years, yearned for that 
favoied land which offered such inducements to the young votary of 
aspiring ambition. He landed in the United States in 1829, with one 
sovereign in his pocket, and, after sojourning in the East a short time, 
departed for Pittsburgh, on foot; for it was the commencement of the 
winter of 1829, and he could not well work at his trade during the in- 
clement season. 

Mr. Withnell's advent in Pittsburgh was propitious. It was there he 



514 JOHN WITHNELL. 



formed the acquaintance of his present estimable lady, whose maiden 
name was Martha Graves Wain w right, whom he married in January, 1833, 
when he had become a resident of St. Louis. She was the daughter of 
Mr. Joseph Wainwright, of Lawrenceville, who is still living. 

After a trial of Pittsburgh for nearly two years, he departed for St. 
Louis, where he arrived in August, 1831, and in a little while afterward 
assisted in building the penitentiary at Alton. He soon became known 
in St. Louis for his skill and attention to business, and many of the large 
contracts for stone-work fell into his hands. He had the contract for 
the stone-cutting of the cathedral, and many others of much importance. 

He had formed a business connection in St. Louis with Mr. Coates, a 
gentleman of fine abilities and social worth, which existed until 1838, 
when Mr. Withnell went to Jefferson City, having obtained the stone- 
contract of the capitol. He was engaged in this contract for three years, 
and the capitol of our state, which is built of a kind of marble suscept- 
ible of the highest finish, owes much of its beauty to his skill and taste- 
ful execution. He was also for many years a partner in the brewery 
business conducted by Wainwright, Coates & Co. 

Shortly after leaving Jefferson City, he took the contract for the county 
jail, which was the last work he performed in the stone-contract business, 
and in 1843 bought the place where he now resides, in the suburbs of St. 
Louis, which was then a wild. Years before, in his rambles through the 
country, he had been delighted with the beautiful location, and had deter- 
mined, when sufficiently able, to purchase it. He has adorned it with 
the most exquisite taste and elegance, and the grounds are among the 
most tasteful and lovely in the Western country. 

Mr. Withnell has avoided politics as uncongenial with that quietude in 
which he delights; but in 1813, he was persuaded by his friends to be- 
come a member of the Board of Aldermen, in which he served two terms. 
He was one of the corporators of the St. Louis Agricultural and Mechani- 
cal Association, and was one of its eflScient directors for three years. He 
is also a director in the Gas Company, and his name adds weight and 
respect to every thing with which it is connected. He is retiring in his 
disposition, domestic in his habits, warm in his friendship, and passes his 
life chiefly in superintending the cultivation and adornment of his farm, 
and in the serene enjoyments which nestle around the family hearth- 
stone. 



THE FILLEY FAMILY. 

In America there is but little pride taken in genealogy, and it is a rare 
occurrence to meet a family who can trace their ancestral lineage farther 
back than two or three generations. Business is tiie great absorbing in- 
terest of all classes of society, and keeps them intent upon the present 
and the future ; what is past cannot materially affect their business, and 
the indulgence of family reminiscences would only occupy their mind to 
the exclusion of other thoughts more available perhaps in a financial 
view. This is the substance of their reasoning, and hence the ignorance 
displayed by most families in ancestral knowledge. There are some whom 
this business philosophy does not influence, who take a wortli}^ pride in 
tracing their families from some certain renowned epoch, through all the 
mazes of lineal and collateral descent for a long series of years, and in 
keeping a record of the names an<l pursuits of each member, which is 
handed down to the succeeding generations as a valuable relic. The 
family who head this article can trace their different members through all 
of their various connections, with all the accuracy of a fee simple estate, 
as far back as 1620, the year on which the Pilgrims dated their advent on 
the continent of America. 

Before proceeding farther in this place, the author would say that it was 
his original intention of giving a biography of only one member of the 
Filley family, and the one selected was the Hon. Oliver D. Filley, the 
present mayor of the city; but there were others of the same name and 
same family, who were well worthy of a place in this book ; so he deter- 
mined upon giving a succinct historical sketch of a family who have 
taken a singular pride in preserving their genealogical records, and whose 
members, residing in the city of St. Louis, have been among our most 
thrifty and enterprising citizens. 

The Filley family are of Welsh origin, and the first of that name that 
ever trod upon American soil, was a passenger in the "Mayflower," which, 
in November, 1620, landed the Pilgrims on the bleak promontory where 
Plymouth now stands. Thirteen years afterward, when two-thirds of their 
number had been destroyed by disease, famine, and the tomahawk, a 
small colony, under the direction of William Holmes, sailed from 
Plymouth to Windsor, Connecticut, to form a settleinent; and for the 
purpose of defence, was built the log fort which was afterward attacked 
by the Dutch governor, who presided over the few houses which were the 
first commencement of the present city of New York. They were, how- 
ever, repulsed, and the new colony at Windsor soon commenced to grow 
as some coral isle in the sea of wilderness. 

. There is an old record at Windsor still in existence which shows 
undeniably that William Filley was one of those who founded the 
place in 1633. From this William Filley have sprung the numerous 



516 THE FILLEY FAMILY. 



branches of the Fille)' family which ara now so widely spread over the 
Union, Were "we so disposed, we could now, from documents in our 
possession, trace all the descendants of William Filley down to the present 
generation, giving their names, and dates, and places of birth. This would 
be dealing too much with the past, and foreign to the purpose of this 
work, which is designed to comprise in the most limited space the most 
useful and interesting information. We will only say that some of the 
family during the Revolutionary war did good service for their country at 
that precarious period of her existence. 

Oliver D. Filley, the present mayor of St. Louis, was born May 23d, 
1806, in Simsbury, now Bloomfield, Connecticut. His parents, Oliver 
Filley and Annis Humphrey, wore mari-ied May 8th, 1805, and had eight 
children, of whom Oliver D. Filley was the eldest. He was sent early to 
school, and directly he learned the branches of a business education, he 
commenced to learn the tin-ware business in the shop of his fother. 
Some time afterward he was sent to complete his education at an academy. 
His father, purchasing a farm, carried on at the same time the tin-ware 
business, and Oliver frequently assisted him in his mechanical and agricul- 
tural labors. 

Previous to the autumn of 1829, the fame of the western country had 
become bruited along the Atlantic settlements, and crowds of emigrants 
daily forsook their homes, to locate themselves on a soil whose fertility so 
widely contrasted with the barrenness of the eastern regions. Oliver D. 
Filley joined the general exodus. He was anxious to locate himself in a 
place that possessed in itself all the elements of prosperity; and then 
the self-reliance which from a youth made a part of his character, assured 
him that he would be successful in all of his undertakings ; so, in the 
season and year we have mentioned, he came to St. Louis, and at once 
commenced working journey-work in the tin establishment of a Mr. 
Mansfield. After pursuing his vocation in this manner for about a year, 
he purchased the establishment from its owner, and this was the com- 
mencement of the large fortune that he has since amassed, and the start- 
ing-point of that business capacity which has so developed its rare powers 
in every thing he has undertaken. 

The little shop which Mr. Filley first purchased, under his management 
soon commenced to enlaige and make a figure in the locality in which it 
stood. Year after year it gave significant evidence of its vitality, and the 
owner gradually became introduced to the commercial world by his 
business operations, which had ever been conducted in accordance with 
the highest principles of honor. He soon became well known and re- 
spected, and at last became a leading man in the business world of the 
Western Metropolis, by his own efforts, unassisted by adventitious circum- 
stances. 

The possession of wealth, which so often petrifies the heart and renders 
it insensible to sympathizing emotions, has had no injurious eflfect on 
Mr. Filley. His charitable feelings can readily be called into action, if 
any worthy object be presented for relief. His liberality does not pro- 
ceed from a vain ostentation. He seeks no display, and gives from a 
sense of duty and to gratify the promptings of a heart naturally generous. 
The fortune that he now possesses has been made from the profits accruing 
from the business he pursued, and he has always been opposed to the 



THE FILLET FAMILY. 517 



dangerous system of uncertain speculation. How cautious he is in busi- 
ness, the following circumstance will show. He was once a director in 
the Bank of the State of Missouri, and when the majority of the directors 
were in favor of receiving Illinois money on deposit, he resigned his 
position. 

Mr, Filley has ever been a strong advocate of abolishing slavery in the 
state of Missouri, and in 1848, when a call was made upon the public for 
an expression of its opinion, his name first appeared upon the roll. If 
Missouri were free, the quicker, he thought, she would develop her 
resources. Acting in accordance with the wishes of the people, he be- 
came a candidate for mayor in 1848, and was elected; and so popular 
was his administration that, contrary to his wishes, he was again brought 
forward in 1859, and was again elected to his high position. Mr. Filley 
married Chloe Velina Brown, and they have a family of six children; the 
eldest son, Oliver Brown Filley, being one of the proprietors of the well 
known Fulton Iron Works. 

The brothers of Oliver D. Filley are all well known in the localities in 
which they reside, and have been successful in the avocations they have 
pursued. Marcus L. Filley, now of Troy, New York, was once a resident 
of St. Louis, having come to the city as early as 1 827, and was for two years 
a student of law in the office of Judge Peck. Giles F. Filley, another 
brother, came to St. Louis in 1833, and entered into business with his eldest 
brother, Oliver, learning his trade, and with whom he continued until 1841, 
when he went into the crockery business, which he continued until 1849, 
and then connected himself with the foundry business. lie has been 
largely engaged in the manufacture of stoves, and has become numbered 
among our wealthy citizens. J. H. Filley, also a brother, resides in 
Bloomfield, Connecticut, where their only sister also lives. E. A. & S. R. 
Filley, the extensive china merchants, and Chauncey J. Filley, their brother, 
who has likewise a large china establishment, belong to this remarkable 
family, and possess their leading characteristics. The whole family have 
been remarkably successful in the vocations they have pursued. They 
have inherited the virtues of tlie Puritan, stripped of his bigotry, and 
their business talent, their unerring judgment, and honorable bearing, 
have won the confidence and well-wishes of the community where they 
reside. 



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THE ADVANCE OF REAL ESTATE IN ST. LOUIS. 

The rise of real estate in St. Louis has been so fabulous that it has be- 
come a theme of wonder and interest. We could not make this history 
complete did we not give some account of the progressions ; and to make 
the relation n)ore varied, more extensive, more authentic, and interesting, 
we have solicited the aid of those gentlemen that are known to the com- 
munity, as most conversant with all of its features; and, without com- 
ment or alteration, we give to our readers the communications which have 
been addressed to us relative to our inquiries. 

No eftort on our part could have so eflectually gathered this most use- 
ful information, and these communications will form a most interesting 
portion of our work. We are indebted for the following coinnmnica- 
tions to William Louis A. Leraume, 

President of Gas-Light Company. 
Dr. J. W. Hall, 

Large owner of real estate. 
J. G. Barrv, 

Ex-Mayor of St. Louis. 
John Casey, 

Large owner of real estate. 
Belt & I'riest, 

Real Estate Agents. 
William Kisley, 

County Treasurer. 
Henry W. Williams, 

Attorney at law, and extensively engaged in 
real estate practice. 

" St. Louis, March 24th, 1860. 

"Dear Sir : — In compliance with your request, I have tried to bring to 
mind as far as I could the value of real estate in this city during the past 
forty-two years. I have not been a speculator in lands, but have bought 
for my own use. In the year 1822 I purchased a lot on Third street, 
between Plum and Cedar streets, 75 feet front by 150 in dei)th, for the 
sum of $225 the lot. In the year 1846 I sold the same lot for $3,000, 
and it is now held at a bid of $17,000. In 1834 I bought a lot on Main 
street, between Spruce and Myrtle streets, 40 feet front, running to the 
river baid<, for $350; and in 1852 I sold it, with a two-story house on 
it, for $10,000. The same property is now worth $35,000. In 1845 I 
bought a lot on Second street, between Lombard and Hazel streets, 150 
feet front, running to the river, for $800; and in 1855 I sold one-third of 
it for $42,000, and held the balance at $100,000. In 1849 I bought a 
house and lot on Walnut street, between Sixth and Seventh streets, for 
$6,000. In 185G I was offered $15,000 for it. I have known similar sales, 

" Yours truly, " W. Kisley." 



KEAL ESTATE IN ST. LOUIS. 521 

"St. Louis, March Gtli, IbGO. 

"Dear Sir : — I have been trying to remember some sales which might 
have taken phioe many years ago, and theretbre interest you, as showing 
the rise in the price of property in St. Louis. 

" I remember in 1834 I bought from Jjenjamin Lawhead some ground 
on wliat is now Second street, east side, between Locust and Olive streets, 
for $150 per foot, which is now valued at $1,500 or $2,000 per front foot. 
Recently, in 1850, I bought where I now reside, on Chouteau avenue, a 
$40 per foot front. It is now supposed to be Avorth $150 or $200 per 
foot. I have known various instances where ground has been sold for 
from $50 to $100 per foot, which is now worth from $1,000 to $2,000 per 
foot. In fact, the whole town is nothing but an illustration of the sud- 
den rise of property, and consequently the sudden enrichment of the 
owners of the property. I was once oftered ground on the corner of Main 
and Spruce streets for $15 per foot. I wanted to purchase it for a peach- 
orchard, but did not do so. It is now worth $700 or $600 per foot. I 
remember in the year 1832 or 1833 ground fronting on Fourth and Fifth 
streets, south of Gratiot street, that I declared positively I would not have 
the ground for a gift, the tlien owner to make me a deed for the land 
and put it on record. It is now worth $300 and $400 per front foot. 

"1 remember I was one of three commissioners appointed by the 
Corporation to sell city commons purely and solely as the ordinance pro- 
vided, for agricultural purposes. We soh:l land (I then called it giving 
away), some for say $15 per acre; it is now worth in some instances $50 
per front foot. There was one instance we sold land in the commons 
for $1,500 per acre; it is now worth, on the corner of Parke avenue and 
St, Ang'e avenue, $125 per front foot. 

" 1 remain, sir, very respectfully, 

"James G. Barry." 

"St. Louis Gas-Light Company, St. Louis, Feb. 9th, 18G0. 

" Dear Sir : — At your request I refresh my memory to give you, as far 
as I can in my opinion, the value of property in St. Louis for some twenty- 
five to thirty-five years back. The first sale which I can recollect was 
made by grandmother Dubruil, of a lot on the corner of Second and Pine 
streets, 70 feet front by 150 deep, to M. Papin, for $700. This was, I 
think, in 1822 or 1823. My mother bought in 1822 or 1823 a lot 70 feet 
front by 150 in depth, corner of Second and Olive streets, south-west 
corner, with good stone house, log kitchen, barn and good fences, all 
for $1,500. The above are now worth from $1,500 to $2,000 per foot. 

"In 1826 my grandmother's property on Second street, block 61,1 be- 
lieve between Chesnut and Pine streets, was sold by the administrator, 50 
feet, corner Second and Chesnut by 150, for $10 per foot. The remainder, 
about 18 feet, with a first-rate stone house and kitchen, was bought in by 
my mother for benefit of estate for $3,000, and sold by her to Mr. Gay in 
1830 or 31 for the same price — so that property had not risen in that 
locality from 1826 to 1831. Property even in the business parts of the 
city had but a nominal value till about 1832 to 1833. It may have com- 
menced rising a little in 1831, but so slightly that it was not noticeable, 
and did not really seem to rise till 1835. From this period it went up 



522 KEAh ESTATE IN ST. LOUIS. 

in the business parts of the town pretty rapidly till 1838 or 1839 — the 
coinnienconient of bank disasters. From that period to 1842-3, though 
there may have been no fall, there was no demand, and, to my knowledge, 
no sales. 

"In 1836 or 1837 I heard Mr. Lucas offer land about Lucas Place for 
$200 an acre. He sold lots to Benoist, Bogy and others on Eighth street, 
between Pine and Locust streets, for $10 per foot. 

"After the crash of the banks, from 1837 to 1841, property had but 
a nominal value; it commenced rising about 1842 or 1843, and went 
up gradually till 1845, from which time it improved more rapidly, till the 
great fire in 1849. From the latter date it rose very fast to the present 
time, and still continues rising, notwithstanding the cry of croakers to the 
contrary; and, in my humble judgment, will continue onward till the 
great vidley of the Mississippi is filled up and densely populated. Coun- 
try property rose but little until the building of plank and macadamized 
roads, but went up magically after the commencement of our railroads. 

" To resume, in my opinion, there was but an imperceptible, if any rise in 
property in the city till 1834 or 1835, when it continued to rise slowly till 
the great crash in 1838 or 1839. It went up again about 1842 or 1843, 
slowTy, till 1849, and from that period to date very rapidly. 

" Hoping the above may add a little light to your valuable researches, 
I remain, dear sir, yours truly and respectfully, 

" Louis A. Labaum." 

"St. Louis, March 29th, 1860. 

"Dear Sir: — In reply to your inquiries concerning the rise of real 
estate in this city, accept this hastily-prepared schedule of facts. * 

"In 1818, a lot on the west side of Main street, between Locust and 
Olive streets, having a fronton Main street of 65 feet, and running through 
to Second street, was purchased for $1,800 ; in 1857, a part of the same 
property, having a front on Main street of 43 feet, and running west to the 
alley 140 feet, back not quite half the western width of the lot, was sold 
for $1,275 per front foot— about $56,000. 

"In 1836, property was off"ered on the corner of Eighth and Pine 
streets for 1 10 per foot, but there were no bids for it, every one thinking 
that the price was greatly beyond the intrinsic value of the property, as 
all west of Eighth street was at that time a common. 

"In 1839, the eastern half of the block on which the Planters' House 
stands was sold for $150 per foot, fronting on Fourth street. The price 
was regarded as ruinous to the purchaser. The property is now worth, 
without improvement, $1,500 per front foot. 

"As late as 1849, previous to the great fire, the most desirable prop- 
erty on Main street would not bring more than $300 per front foot. 

"In 1851, during autumn, Stoddard's Addition was sold. Property on 
the corner of Locust and Beaumont streets was then sold for $15 per 
foot ; on the corner of Washington and Garrison avenues for 85 74 per 
foot; on the corner of Franklin and Ewing avenues for $15 per foot ; on 
the corner of Lucas and Leffingwell avenues for the same price; and 
other parts of the Addition, not having the advantage of a corner locality, 
at lower figures. Nine years have elapsed, and the same property will 
now readily bring from $65 to $100 per foot. 



REAL ESTATE IN ST. LOUIS. 523 

"In 1827, on Second street, corner of Chesnut and Pine, J. Francis 
Chouteau sold seventy-two feet front by one hundred and fitly, running 
west, to Pierre Didier Chouteau for $800 ; in 185S the same property 
was sold by the heirs of Papin to Edward J. Gay for $1,080 per foot, 
each foot then bringing more than the whole seventy-two feet in 1827. 
On this lot stand Gay's marble buildings. 

"Very respectfully, "Belt & Priest, 

" Real Estate Agents, 41 Chesnut street." 

" St. Louis, March 9th, 1860. 

" Dear Sir : — I will try to comply with your request in relation to the 
relative value of property in St. Louis during the last few years. 

"I will give you the facts of a few prominent points, by which you will 
be able to judge of intermediate points. 

"Early in 1840, property on the corner of Fifth and Market streets 
sold for $100 per foot; the same will now readily sell for $1,000 per foot. 

"In 1840 I bought lots on Olive street, between Seventh and Eighth 
streets, at $40 per foot, which would now sell for $350 per foot. About 
this time I could have bought of Judge J. B. C. Lewis property on Olive 
street, between Eleventh and Twelfth streets, for $10 per foot, which is now 
worth $300 per foot. And on the same street, between Fifteenth and 
Sixteenth streets, $5 per foot is now worth $200 per foot. 

"In 1842-3 property sold in Christy's Addition, west of the St. Louis 
University, between Twelfth and Sixteenth streets and Christy avenue, at 
from $4 to $10 per foot. The same would sell to-day for from $125 to 
$200 per foot. 

"In 1843-4, on Franklin avenue, and south of it, in Mills' Addition, 
property sold about Twenty-third street at from $3 to $5 per foot, is now- 
worth from $50 to $75 per foot. 

In the neighborhood of the market on Seventh street, property could 
have been bought in 1844 at from $10 to $20 per foot. The same will 
now sell for from $250 to $300 per foot. Looking southwardly, property 
sold about this time at a very low figure, but has rapidly risen to figures 
quite as high as in any other direction. 

"From 1840 to 1850 the tendency was north. About 1850 a very 
rapid advance took place to the south and south-west. From about 
1854 to 1860 a great rush took place to the north-west, in the direction 
of Fair Grounds. 

"North St. Louis, about Bremen, toward 1850 began to make rapid 
strides. 

"In 1849 Lowell was first off"ered. It had been bought, only one year 
before, for about $200 per acre. In May, 1849, it sold for from $5 to $10 
per foot on Bellefontaine road. It is now selling at from $20 to $30 per 
foot, or about from $4,000 to $5,000 per acre. 

"Thus, if you take a stand-point about the court-house, you will find 
the progress resulting about the same, though something in favor of the 
northward. Westwardly you will find quite an equal advance. 

" In Stoddard's Addition, which is only about ten years old, property 
sold at from $5 to $20 per foot. It will now sell at from $50 to $125 per 
foot. 



524: REAL ESTATE IN ST. LOUIS. 

" As you will observe, the wave of progress has fluctuated in every 
direction, first in one and then in another, but finally it gains an equilib- 
rium, as things have become established. 

"Thus you will see that those who invest money in St. Louis have only 
to wait a little, and a short time brings about vast results. And the only 
way to judge of the future is to look at the past; according to this rule, 
the destiny of St. Louis is bound to be the great central city of the 
United States. "Truly yours, "W.Hall." 

"Carondelet, March 12th 18GU. 

" Dear Sir : — I have endeavored to recollect a few instances which have 
occurred within my knowledge for the last thirty years as to the advance 
in the value of real estate in the city of St. Louis. 

"I purchased of B. A. Soulard in 1843 a piece of property on Caron- 
delet avenue, now Nos. 12 and 14, four doors this side of Park avenue, for 
$2,400, on which there were two brick dwellings, considered worth the 
amount paid for the whole property, 40 feet front by 140 in depth, for 
which I have been otFered recently $9,000. 

"I also bought of Edward Leavy a piece of property on the corner of 
Thirteenth street and Franklin avenue in 1843 for $850, on which there 
was a two-story frame building, now paying an annual rent of $850, 26 
feet front by a depth of 107 feet. The above property was cultivated as 
a corn-field in 1840. This property is now worth $250 per foot. 

"I bought of John Loane in July, 1848, a piece of property on the 
south side of Morgan street, between Twelfth and Thirteenth streets, 26 
feet front by a depth of 144 feet to Orange street, on which there was a 
two-story brick building, for $1,800, now yielding a monthly rent of $60, 
and worth now at least $250 per front foot. 

"I bought in October, 1849, a piece of property 83 feet front by a 
depth of 147 feet on the corner of Christy avenue and Nineteenth street, 
which cost about $45 per front foot. It could be readily sold now for 
from $125 to $150 per foot. 

"I was present at a sale made in 1832 or 1833 on Main street, where 
Murdoch & Dickson now keep their auction room. The property sold on 
that day was bid off to A. Kerr, of the house of J. & A. Kerr, at $70 per 
front foot, running back to Commercial street, and could now, 1 presume, 
be sold for $2,000 per foot. 

"Respectfully, "John Casey." 

"St. Louis, April 5th, 1860. 

"Dear Sir: — Assuming that you do not expect any thing more than 
' personal recollections' in the statement which you have requested me to 
make in reference to the enhancement in value of real estate in St. Louis 
and its vicinity, I proceed to give you a few items. 

"My acquaintance with the property of St. Louis commenced in the 
year 1844. The population of the city was then estimated at 40,000, the 
previous census, taken in 1840, showing only 16,649. This remarkable 
increase of nearly twenty-four thousand in four years appears to have 
had but slight eftect upon the value of real estate, as property could have 
been purchased by the acre at that date in almost any direction from the 



KEAL ESTATE IN ST. LOUIS. . 525 

court-house, a mile and a half distant from that point, at from $200 to 
$300 per acre. 

"In 1843-4 a very large amount of the land owned by the city, known 
as the Common, was disposed of at an average of less than $50 per acre. 
The amount originally owned by the city was 4,293 arpens. In 183G the 
city was authorized by the legislature to sell the same. The sale amounted 
to $425,000, or nearly $100 per arpen. The purchasers imagined, how- 
ever, that they had agreed to pay too much, and neglected to make their 
payments. Their rights were consequently declared forfeited, and the 
city, in 1843, proceeded to sell to other parties. In the year 1850, all of 
the lands owned by the city, save about (500 acres, had been disposed of, 
and at that date the total amount received by the city treasury for the 
lands sold was $163,680 ! The land so sold is now worth not less than 
$25,000,000 ! In the same year, the president of the Board of Assessors 
valued the unsold portions of the commons — 591 acres — at $581,391. 
He also valued the other real estate of the city at $753,913, making the 
total value of the real estate then owned by the city $1,335,304. In the 
year 1857, after the city had sold to the amount of about $1,500,000, 
the land register reported the value of real estate and improvements then 
belonging to the city at $15,919,856 63 ! 

" In 1843, the City Council passed an ordinance limiting the sale of the 
Commons at not less than $25 per acre ! 

" In 1847, I purchased 9,00 acres in block No. 66 of the Commons, for 
$6,500, with improvements worth not less than $4,000, and was rallied 
by some of my friends, who regarded it as an extravagant price. Three 
years later I sold it at $13,500, and the same land cannot now be pur- 
chased for $75,000. In the same year I purchased 4foy acres in block No. 
75 of the Commons for $900, on three years' time, without interest. 
$9,000 has recently been offered and refused for the same tract. In the 
same year (1847) a friend was offered a tract fronting on Lafayette 
Park, with a comfortable frame-house, and well improved with fruit-trees, 
shrubbery, &c., for $2,800. He declined to purchase, stating that it was 
' too far out in the woods.' The same tract is worth at the present time 
not less than $40,000. 

"In the year 1848, Daniel D. Page, Esq., sold to Mr. David H. Arm- 
strong a tract of twelve acres in the southern part of the city, north of 
the arsenal, at $200 per acre, amounting to $2,400 ; the same tract is 
worth at this date not less than $100,000. 

"In 1846, the great statesman, Henry Clay, visited ^t. Louis. He 
owned, with his son, James B. Clay, the tract known as 'Clay's old 
orchard tract,' and desired to sell it. He advertised a sale to take place 
at the Court House — 275 arpens to be divided into tracts of from five to 
forty acres, to suit purchasers. On the day of sale, he made a few re- 
marks to the assembled crowd, and concluded by reserving a single bid 
for himself. Some of the choice land in the tract was then offered, and 
the highest bid that could be obtained was the reserved bid of Mr. Clay, 
which, by the advice of Judge Can, he fixed at $120 per acre. No per- 
son being willing to purchase at that hiffk fifjure^ the sale closed, after 
which Mr. Clay offered the whole tract at $100 per acre. In 1849 sixty 
or seventy arpens of the tract were sold at an average of $250 per acre. 
In 1853, about sixty acres were sold at an average of $450 per acre ; in 



526 • REAL ESTATE IN ST. LOUIS. 

1857, sixty-five arpens were sold at an average of $1,050 per acre; and 
in 1859, four arpens, with improvements worth about $1,200, were sold 
for $9,000, being about $2,000 per acre. 

*' In 1844, there were but very few buildings beyond Tenth street. 
Nearly all the property west of that line was in acres, but a very small 
portion of it having been subdivided into lots. The city limits extended 
to about Seventeenth street. About the year 1850 or 1851, the sub- 
divisions had reached the city limits, and commenced to go beyond. 
Messrs. Leffingwell & Elliott were at this time engaged in getting up a 
correct map of St. Louis and its vicinity. They projected the street now 
represented as Grand avenue as the western boundary of the future city. 
It was originally designed to be 120 feet wide, to extend from north to 
south a distance of about eleven miles, and at one point over three miles 
from the river or eastern boundary of the city. The space between the 
old city line and the proposed ' Grand avenue,' as represented upon the 
map, looked exceedingly blank, and the very large territory embraced 
afforded good grounds for the belief which many persons entertained that 
the city never could reach Grand avenue. 

" Many persons believed, and were not backward in expressing their 
opinions, that Messrs. Leffingwell & P^Uiott were exceedingly wild and 
visionary in their views as to the future of St. Louis. Time, however, 
has proven those views to be correct. Mr. Elliott, in a very able article, 
based upon the increase of St. Louis during previous years, predicted 
that the population in 1860 would number 175,000. 

"The present census returns will show that he was short of the mark, 
although, at the date of his prediction, there were but few who regarded 
it as oracular. 

"A glance at the recent editions of Mr. Leffingwell's map will demon- 
strate that even Grand avenue is not to limit the westward march of our 
city. Nearly all the ground east of Grand avenue has been subdivided, 
sold, and a very large proportion of it improved. The city limits have 
been extended to Grand avenue and ten chains beyond it, and subdivisions 
are constantly being made beyond the city line. 

"To return, however, to the statements you desire in regard to the in- 
crease in the value of real estate. 

"In 1847, Colonel Rene Paul offered me ground on Chouteau avenue, 
just west of Eighth street, at $10 per foot, on ten years' credit, with in- 
terest at six per cent. The same ground is now selling at from $150 to 
$175 per foot. • 

"In 1845, the ground on Fourteenth street, between Market street and 
Clark avenue, was sold at prices averaging about $12 per front foot. It 
is now worth at least $150 per foot. 

"In 1851, the highest prices obtained in Stoddard's Addition was 
$20iuo per foot, and the average was about $15 per foot. At the present 
time property which then sold for $10, commands readily $125 per foot. 

" Many other instances might be cited, showing an increase in the 
value of the real estate of the city, of from thirty to fifty per cent, per 
annum ; but I have already wearied your patience, and close, regretting 
that the pressure of business has prevented my giving you a more con- 
nected and coherent statement of my ' recollections.' 
" Respectfully yours, 

" Uenry W. Williams." 




MADAME ELIZABETH O K T E S . 
//( her \)f)th year, 92 yearn a rexident of St Lauin. 

ENGRAVED FKOM A I'lIOTOllKAPIl 1!Y TROXELL, EXPRESSLY FOR THE "GKEA"* WEST. 



MADAME ELIZABETH ORTES. 

Madame Elizabeth Ortes was born September 27th, 1764, at Vincen- 
nes, a Frencli military post of great importance on the Wabash. To have 
been in Indiana at that early date, was to have been in a wilderness, and 
avast region on both sides of the Mississippi went by the name of Illinois. 
Her mother's name was Marguerite Dutremble, and that of her father 
Antoine Barada, who, previous to his marriage, was a French soldier, and 
served for some years in the French army, then commanded by Louis St. 
Ange de Bellerive. When Vincennes had been given up to the English, the 
very year after her birth, her parents still remained at the post; but see- 
ing, day by day, the old customs gradually dying away, which, from long 
use, had become necessary to their existence ; and feeling, also, that dis- 
like to the English natural to the French, they removed to St. Louis in 
1768. Madame Ortes was then four years of age, and St. Louis was 
founded seven months before her birth. 

At the age of four years, the memory had commenced to retain upon 
its delicate tablet impressions of external objects, and Madame Ortes dis- 
tinctly recollects her removal from Fort Vincennes to St. Louis, and 
knows well the time when the little log church was built on Second 
street, near Market, on the same square where the cathedral now stands. 
The church was built by Jean B. Ortes, who became her future husband. 
She distinctly recollects the time when the French flag was lowered, and 
the town was delivered to the Spaniards by Louis St. Ange de Bellerive, 
who was then commandant. She well remembers the appearance of that 
distinguished general of the French, and the time when he died, at the 
house of Madame Chouteau, situated on the square opposite the Missouri 
Republican office. She distinctly remembers Pierre Laclede Liguest, the 
founder of the city, and was thirteen years of age when he died, on the 
Mississippi, at the mouth of the Arkansas. 

At fourteen years of age, Mademoiselle Elizabeth Barada was married 
to Jean B. Ortes, one of the companions of Liguest, who was a native of 
the same place, the county of Bion, on the borders of France ; and their 
birth-spot was in the shadow of the towering Pyrenees. Both emigrated to 
America at one time, and they were together Vhen the site of St. Louis 
was chosen and the trees marked where the erection of the buildings was 
to be commenced. He was a carpenter and cabinet-maker, and died in 
1813, at the age of seventy-five years. 

Madame Ortes is now nearly ninety-six years of age, and has lived 
ninety-two years in St. Louis. She has seen all the different phases of 
the Mound City, from 1768 to the present time. She was a little girl 
during the first French domination, and saw Piernas, the first Spanish 
governor, when he arrived in the town. She had grown to womanhood 
when the town was attacked by the savages, in 1780. She was intimate 
with the families of the different Spanish commandants, and was in the 
fortieth year of her age when the city was again delivered to the com- 
missioner of the French, and on the following day was consigned to a 
23 



530 MADAME ELIZABETH ORTES. 



representative of the United States, and the star-spangled banner floated 
from the battlunients. She has witnessed all the changes St. Louis has 
undergone during the almost century of its existence. She has seen the 
little log- cabins of one story, as they grew tottering by the decaying 
lingers of Time, supplanted by palatial buildings. She has seen the gay, 
convivial, and happy inliabitants that once formed the population, go, 
one by one, to their " narrow house ;" and a new people, with different 
tastes, and animated by mercenary motives, are living and breathing 
around her. Every thing has become more attractive to the eye — shows 
the march of intellect and civilization ; but the atmosphere created by 
sympathetic influence has been chilled, and the warm sunshine of happi- 
ness, which radiated the days of the former inhabitants, is now wanting. 

Time has dealt gently with Madame Ortes. Though ninety-six years of 
age, her health is good, spirits buoyant, and her mind lucid and active. 
Her memory is most astonishing, and she loves to talk of the time that 
has passed, of the persons who were the companions of her childhood, 
and with whom she associated in the spring and summer of her life. She 
was always of a happy nature, lived a retired life, never was troubled by 
worldly wants, and, to use her own graphic expression, " her cellar was 
always full." To these salutary causes is to be attributed the health and 
the length of life she has enjoyed. We are happy to relate that she has 
resided, since the death of her husband, in the house of Mr. Joseph 
Philibert, her son-in-law, having at her command all worldly comforts. 
She is surrounded by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and in 
their society almost forgets the infirmities and regrets of age, and lives 
a life of comparative happiness. 




P I E R K E CHOUTEAU, ESQ. 

(p. 531.) 

ENGRAVED BXPBESSLY FOR THIS WORK FROM A MINIATURE PAINTIHG. 



THE CHOUTEAU FAMILY. 

There is no family that now lives or has lived in St. Louis, that is so 
identified with the city as the Chouteau family. The name is familiar to 
all classes of citizens, and a sketch of its history will be a record of unu- 
sual interest. It was from the beautiful country bordering upon the Po 
in France that a member of the family, in the person of a youth called 
Rene Chouteau, first emigrated, and came first to Canada, and afterward 
to New Orleans, where he engaged successfully in trading with the Indi- 
ans; and there married Mademoiselle Therese Bourgeois; and five chil- 
dren were the fruit of the marriage, namely, Auguste, Pierre, Pelagic, Ma- 
rie Louise, and Victoire. 

The eldest of these children, Auguste Chouteau, at an early period gave 
indications of business talent, and attracting the attention of Pierre La- 
clede Liguest, when he was making preparations for the trade with the 
Indians of the Missouri and Upper Mississippi rivers, he offered him a po- 
sition of trust, which was accepted, and previous to starting from New Or- 
leans he had so ingratiated himself in the favor of his employer, that he 
became the second in command ; and the position of the son being one 
of trust and importance, the mother and family started with the expedi- 
tion for the new post that was to be established on the Mississippi. 

The expedition first landed at St. Genevieve, and after leaving there, a 
few families stopped at Kaskaskia, among whom was that of Madame 
Chouteau, with the exception of Auguste Chouteau, who, as next in com- 
mand to Liguest, conducted the expedition to Fort de Chartres.* From 
Fort de Chartres, Auguste Chouteau started with Liguest, and a few picked 
men, for the mouth of the Missouri, to discover a site for the trading post 
which was to be their future home. In this voyage the site where St. 
Louis now stands was chosen, and the trees sliced to mark the spot where 
the first buildings were to be erected. After returning to Fort de Char- 
tres, Auguste Chouteau, directly navigation would permit, started with 
thirty picked men, by the order of Liguest, to commence building upon 
the spot previously selected, and the cabins for the men and the ware- 
house for the goods were built, and also the commencement of the build- 
ing which afterward became known as the old Chouteau Mansion, but 
lately torn down, and which stood on the square between Main and Sec- 
ond, and Market and Walnut streets. 

Six months after the little colony had become settled and somewhat 
comfortable, Madame Chouteau and her children, who had been left at 
Kaskaskia, moved to the new-named town of St. Louis, and a few months 
afterward resided in the square situated between Second and Main, and 
Chestnut and Walnut streets, where Madame Chouteau resided until her 
death. 



* See deposition of Jean Baptiste de Riviere dit Baccaue, as recorded in Hunt's Min- 
utes, in tlie United States Recorder's office. 



534 THK CHOUTEAU FAMILY. 

Augustc Chouteau, the eldest son of the family, had a business educa- 
tion, and to him was committed the charge of surveying the precincts of 
the new town, in which work he was assisted by his brother, Pierre Chou- 
teau, lie then became a merchant and Indian trader, and after the death 
of Liguest in 1778, he was selected by Antoine Maxent, the partner of 
the deceased, to administer upon the estate, and in the Spanish archives 
still in existence in our court-house, is to be found a paper of Antoine 
Maxent, bearing testimony to the confidence he had in the administrator, 
and his satisfaction in the manner in which the business confided to him 
had been adjusted.* 

The house in which Liguest lived, was purchased by Auguste Chouteau, 
after his death, when oft'ered for public sale in 1770, for the sum of three 
thousand livres. This was for the whole square, and was a large price for 
property at the time ; but it must be recollected that though land was 
comparatively nothing in value, buildings were dear, and the one of Li- 
guest was the best in the village. Colonel Auguste Chouteau soon after- 
ward greatly enlarged the house, and it became known as the Choteau 
Mansion, and around it was built a wall having portholes for cannon ; and 
often, when alarmed from fear of the Indians, many of the inhabitants 
would take shelter within its gates. As the city grew it was again new 
modeled and with all the elegance that wealth could command, though 
preserving many of its primitive quaint features, which added to its inter- 
est.f In that mansion Colonel Auguste Chouteau resided until his death, 
which took place in 1829. 

Under Governor Lewis, Auguste Chouteau received the appointment of 
colonel — was one of the judges of the territorial courts, and a commis- 
sioner of the general government to treat with the Indians. He was also 

* See Archives. 

f When it was in contemplation to tear this old house down, it gave birth to the follow- 
ing beautiful poetical efl'usion from the New Orleans Picayune : 

THE CHOUTEAU HOUSE. 

BY M. C. FIELD. 

Touch not a stone ! An early pioneer 

Of Christian sway founded his dwelling here, 

Almost alone. 
Touch not a stone ! Let the Great West command 
A hoary relic of the early land; 

That after generations may not say, 
" All went for gold in our forefather's day, 
And of our infancy we nothing own." 
Touch not a stone ! 

Touch not a stone ! Let the old pile decay, 
A relic of the time now pass'd away. 

Ye heirs, who own 
Lordly endowment of the ancient hall, 
Till the last rafter crumbles from the wall, 

And each old tree around the dwelling rots, 
Yield not your heritage for "building-lots." 
Hold the old ruin for itself alone; 
Touch not a stone I 







MJJLllIllLlliii^^ 

iuiiiiijiijjjiiiii 

IIIIIIIIMI!!:^; 






BARNUM'S CITY HOTEL, 



oocurYiNO .V pur.Tio.v »v Tin; sqtjark on wiiicn tiik ou) ouodtkau mansiun FORMiiia-y htuod. 




Til K OLD TI O TT T R A F MANSION. 

BXGRAVED EXPKIOStSI.Y KliR IHIS AVOTK Fi;OM AN (iLD lil:A\VIXG IN IllK I'dNSKSSION OF J. C. 

DAliLOW, I SQ, 



THE CHOUTEAU FAMILY. 535 

president of the old Bank of St. Louis and the old Bank of Missouri. 
During the time of the Spanish commandants, he possessed their confi- 
dence and friendship, and may be said to have been the prime vizier of all 
of them. He for a long time owned the only mill in the place, assisted 
in building the first church in 1*770, built the first distillery in 1789, and 
during the Spanish domination was the leading and enterprising spirit of 
the time. After the change of government, he was regarded by the Amer- 
ican people as a man possessing a high sense of honor and a benignant 
disposition. 

In early life he married Mademoiselle Therese Cerre, and had seven 
children, bearing names as follows : Anguste, Gabriel, Henri, Edward, Ula- 
lie, Louise and Emilie. 

Pierre Chouteau, who was the brother of Auguste, came to St. Louis, 
according to the ancient record, with his mother, as has been related be- 
fore, about six months after the founding of the post. From early youth 
he evinced a passion for trading with the Indians, and being taken into 
partnership by his brother Auguste, to him was confided the trading with 
the savages, and most of the years of his active life were spent amid the 
wilds of the Missouri, encountering all the liardships and vicissitudes then 
incident to the life of the trader. He may truly be said to have been the 
pioneer of the fur-trade, which in after years became the source of the 
wealth of St. Louis and of interest to the Union. In 1804 he gave 
up the Indian trade, and was appointed under Jeflferson agent for 
the Indians west of the Mississippi river. During the "Celebration 
of the Anniversary of the Founding of St. Louis," he was the oldest 
settler in St. Louis, and presided at the festival on that occasion. He was 
twice married. His first wife was Mademoiselle Pelagic Kiersereau, and 
four children were the issue of the marriage, namely, Auguste, Pierre, 
'Paul Liguest, and Pelagic. His second wife was Mademoiselle Brigette 
Saucier, by whom he had five children, named as follows : Frances, Cyp- 
rien, Pharamond, Charles and Frederick. He died at the advanced age 
of ninety-one. 

We have now given a cursory history of the two sons of Rene and 



Built by a foremost Western pioneer, 
It stood upon Saint Louis bluff, to cheer 

New settlers on. 
Now o'er it tow'r majestic spire and dome, 
And lowly seems the forest trader's home ; 

All out of fashion, like a time-struck man, 
Last of his age, his kindred and his clan, 
Lingering still, a stranger and alone; — 
Toucli not a stone ! 

Spare the old house ! The ancient mansion spare, 
For ages still to front the market square; — 

That may be shown. 
How those old walls of good St. Louis rock, 
In native strength, shall bear against the shock 
Of centuries ! There shall the curious see, 
When like a fable shall our story be, 
How the Star City of the West has grown! 
Touch not a stone 1 



536 THE CHOUTEAU FAMILY. 

Therese Chouteau, and will now simply mention the three daughters in 
their marringe connection. 

Pelagic married Sylvestre Labadie, a prominent merchant and Indian 
trader in the early days of St. Louis, and had one son and four daughters, 
namely, Sylvestre, Emilie, Pelagic, Sophia, and Monette, 

Marie Louise, the second daughter of Rene and Therese Chouteau, 
married Jean Marie Papiii, a merchant and Indian trader, who had a large 
family of seven sons and five daughters, viz. : Joseph, Laforce, Hy polite, 
Hilicour, Villeret, Pierre Didier, Dartine, Marguerite, Therese, Mario 
Louise, Sophia, and Emilie. 

Victoire, the third daughter of Rene and Therese Chouteau, married 
Charles Gratiot, a merchant and Indian trader, and had nine children, viz.: 
Charles, Henri, Pierre, Paul, Julia, Victoire, Therese, Emilie, and Eza- 
belle. 

We have now given the names of the children of Rene Chouteau and 
Therese Bourgeois, known as Madame Chouteau, and, likewise, the names 
of those to whom they were married, and the names of their children ; 
and from the marriages of these last have sprung some of the most influ- 
ential citizens of St. Louis. We have now to complete this sketch of 
the Chouteau farail\', by giving a biographical sketch of one of its prom- 
inent members, whose portrait adorns this work. 



PIERRE CHOUTEAU. 

Pierre Chouteau was born on the 19th of January, 1789. His father, 
after whom he was named, and of whom we have already given the reader 
some account as being an Indian trader, was seldom domesticated witii 
his family, being called, by the nature of his vocation, fiir in the remote 
wilds through which the Upper Mississippi and wild Missouri flow. His 
mother, Pelagic Kiersereau, had the whole charge of the children; and 
the first visitation of childish grief which young Pierre experienced was 
when, at the age of four years, he lost this estimable parent. After the 
death of his mother he was taken by his aunt, Madame Dahetre, who 
lived in a little one-story house, at the corner of Washington Avenue and 
Main. (At that time Washington Avenue had no name, and Main street 
was called. La rue principalc). 

There were, in the early days of St. Louis, two French teachers who 
taught all of the children of the little village. They were known as ^la- 
dame Rigache, and Jean Baptiste Trudeau ; and to them Pierre Chouteau 
owed the first rudiments of education. However, from the very first, his 
nature rebelled against confined and sedentary habits; and while a young 
boy, he would listen with rapture to the adventures of the hunters and 
trappers, who, at that time, made up a large portion of the population 
of St. Louis, and often besought his father to let him go to the trading 
posts established on the Missouri. This repeated solicitation was at length 
gratified ; for his father, having given up his trade with the Indians at 
the change of government, he consented in 1807 to young Pierre making 
his first essay as a trader, which was at that time a kind of knight-errant- 
ry to which all the ambitious French youth aspired. 

Panting with the pressure of youthful hopes, Pierre Chouteau left St. 



THE CHOUTEAU FAMILY. 537 

Louis in August, 1807, with two boats laden with goods suitable for the 
Indian trade in that region. As is always the case in youthful perspec- 
tive, not more than one-half of his hopes were realized. The expedition 
did not produce the Potosi of wealth which he had before figured up 
would be the result; and on the whole was but a meagre compensation 
for the hardships he encountered in his first experience in the fur-trade ; 
for he wintered upon the Osage, and that year the winter was of unusual 
severity. 

In early spring he returned to St. Louis, and then, at the solicitation of 
Dubuque, the well-known pioneer miner and trader of Iowa, went up to 
the trading post bearing his name, and on the site of which is now a flour- 
ishing city, and became connected with the fur trade of the Upper Mis- 
sissippi. After the death of Dubuque, he came back to St. Louis, and in 
1819 formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, Bcrthold, in the In- 
dian trade and general merchandizing business ; and the store was kept 
in the second brick house that was built in St. Louis, and located on 
Main street, between Market and Chestnut streets. 

The firm of Bcrthold and Chouteau soon became extensively known, 
and their boats and trading posts were familiar to the numerous tribes of 
Indians who dwelt upon the Missouri and its tributaries. Berthold re- 
mained in the store, and to Pierre Chouteau was confided the trade with 
the Indians. After the boats were dispatched a few days, he would start 
upon horseback and take the road leading from St. Louis toward what now 
is Manchester, and which, after some miles from the city, became a small 
Indian path, in many places scarcely perceptible. After leaving the set- 
tlements he had to content himself with Indian comforts in his business 
pilgrimage. Some bread and dried buffiilo meat which he carried in a 
wallet attached to his saddle, served as his sustenance on his journey. 
At night, he would tether his horse that it might graze at pleasure, and 
wrapping himself in a blanket, would lie upon the earth with his feet 
toward the fire which he usually kindled, according to the fashion of the 
Indians. Frequently in these wild solitudes he would come across small 
encampments of Indians, and would often accept their invitations to a 
feast; and, strange to say, there was never an insult offered him, nor any 
attempt made to interrupt his journeys. This originated in a great meas- 
ure from a perfect knowledge of the Indian character, and a disposition 
at all times to conciliate their regard rath,er than excite their prejudice.* 

After the dissolution of the firm of Berthold & Chouteau, Pierre Chou- 
teau became connected in business with other prominent Indian traders, 
among whom were General Bernard Pratte, and Jean P. Cabanne. It is a 
fact deserving of record that, in these associations, so total was the confi- 
dence of each partner in the other, that there were no written terms of 
copartnership, and never any difficulty in the final adjustment of the 
books. 



* In one of these journeys M. Chouteau was accompanied by two interpreters, 
Noal Montgraiu and Paul Loise. They started from St. Louis in the montli of Decem- 
ber, and in a few days they were overtaken by a severe snow-storm. The weather 
was exceedingly severe, and at night the travellers would lie down in the snow, with 
their blankets and bear-skins. The horses were tetliered or hobbled, and could fanj 
well on the branches of cotton-wood trees, of which they are very fond. 



538 THE CHOUTEAU FAMILY. 



In 1827, Pierre Chouteau became associated with Mr. Astor, and the 
American Fur Company, then in its pahiiy days, was principally under 
his management. At this time the boats ascended the Missouri only as 
far as the Bluft's, and the goods were then taken and transferred in packs 
to horses, and carried in that manner to the regions of the Crows and 
Blackfeet at a vast expense. Pierre Chouteau, after being familiar with 
the currents of the Missouri for many years, resolved to pass wliat was 
thouglit to be the Ultima Thule of its navigation. In 1831, he ascended 
in boats to Fort Pierre, which feat Iiaving accomplished successfully, in 
the following year — 1832, the wild Indians living about the moutlis of 
the Yellowstone, first saw, in awe and surprise, a steamboat in their midst. 
In 1834, he purchased Mr. Astor's interest in the western branch of the 
company, and in 183G was established the present firm of Pierre Chou- 
teau, Jun., it Co., which, since that time, may be said to have monopolized 
all of the fur-trade of the Missouri and Upper Mississippi rivers. Mr. 
Cliouteau is also now engaged extensively in the iron business. 

June loth, 1813, Pierre Chouteau married his cousin, Emilie Gratiot, 
daughter of Charles Gratiot, and has two children, both living — his son, 
Charles Chouteau, being associated in business with him. He is now in 
the evening of an active and well-spent life, possessing a reputation pure 
from calumny, and enjoying the respect of all classes of citizens. He 
was one of the framers of the constitution in 1820, and has been of mucli 
utility to the general government in assisting in treaties with the far and 
distant tribes of Indians. He has been tlie largest fur-trader west of the 
Alleghany Mountains. At one period liis trading area extended over an 
immense country. It embraced the whole country watered by the Upper 
Mississippi and Missouri rivers, and by the Osage, the Kansas, the Platte, 
and the St. Peters ; he frequently having in his employ seven hundred 
men, some of them at immense salaries. To his pilots up the Missouri 
river he often gave seven hundred dollars per month, so as to secure the 
services of the most skilful; and to this circumstance may be attributed 
the fact that in all of the dangerous navigation incident to his business, 
he has never met with any serious losses. 

Pierre Chouteau is connected with two business houses in New York, 
one in the fiir-trade, the other in the iron business; his name is known 
from St. Louis to the Ptocky Mountains, and from St. Louis to the little 
lake from which flows the Mississippi, and wherever it is known it is 
loved and honored. 




J A M i; K S () U L A K D , E B Q . 



(p. 539.) 



ENGRAVED KXP! KSSLY Full THIS WOI'.K IKO.M A I'lKiTOfiRAPlI I;Y liHOWN. 



THE SOULARD FAMILY. 

The name of Soulard, so identified with the early annals of St. Louis, 
belongs to that part of France where the city of Rochefort is situated. 
We will commence with Antoine Soulard, the second surveyor under the 
Spanish domination in Upper Louisiana, he having succeeded Martin 
Duralde, the first surveyor who had been appointed by Piernas, the first 
Spanish commandant. His father figured conspicuously in the martial 
exploits of his country, and was a captain in the French Royal Navy. 
While holding this rank, in some engagement with the English, his left 
arm was shot off by a cannon-ball. 

Antoine Soulard, born at a time when France for many years presented 
the features of a recruiting camp, and born, too, of ancestors who had 
been bred to arms, gave early indications of a preference to a martial 
sphere, and, after being properly qualified by an education at a military 
academy, was in due time appointed a lieutenant in the royal army. 
A little while after his appointment, the lowering clouds which produced 
the storm of the Revolution, began to gather over the political firmament 
of France with portentous gloom. It soon burst with all its fury. The 
royal crown was rolled in the dust, and the king, queen, and whole hosts 
of their followers were swept from existence. To belong to the royal 
faction was to be a foredoomed victim to the bloody shrine of wild and 
barbarous anarchy ; and Antoine Soulard and many others, to escape the 
busy axe of the guillotine, resolved on expatriating themselves, and sailed 
for the United States in the year 1794. He landed at Marblehead, Mas- 
sachusetts, with but a small quantity of livi-es in his possession; and 
knowing that St. Louis was peopled principally by the French, he at once 
started for the distant town. He took his route through Pittsburgh, 
which journey he performed on horseback, and from thence he proceeded 
down the Ohio, in a keel-boat which was bound for St. Louis. 

When he arrived at St. Louis, Antoine Soulard was a perfect stranger, 
but, self-reliant and determined to enter promptly on some sphere of ac- 
tive life, he at once introduced himself to Zenon Trudeau, the Spanish 
commandant, but a Frenchman, and so favorable was the impression 
which he created, that the lieutenant-governor took him to his house, and 
there domiciled him. He did more. Finding how superior was his 
education, he appointed him surveyor-general of the whole province of 
Upper Louisiana, which office had then been vacant, and remained his 
true and staunch friend during the term of his administration, which 
expired in 1798. 

Antoine Soulard was continued in office by Delassus de Daluziere, the 
last Spanish commandant, during whose term, from the profusion of grants, 
his duties were very onerous. When the Province of Louisiana was 
transferred to the United States, he was continued in office by Major 



642 THE 80ULAKD FAMILY. 



Stoddard, the first governor of the province when it came in possession 
of the United States; and when the province came under the jurisdiction 
of the Territory of Indiana, he was continued in his office by General 
Harrison, and held it until he resigned. 

After his resignation, Antoine Soulard devoted himself to the care of 
his farm, situated on what was then known as the Vide Poche road, now 
Carondelet avenue. What was then his farm is now comprised in the 
very centre of the southern portion of the city of St. Louis. It extended 
from what is known as Park avenue to Lesperance street, and, commenc- 
ing at the Mississippi on the east, was bounded on the west by Caron- 
delet avenue. He had the finest orchard of fruits known in St. Louis or 
its vicinity. 

Soon after his advent in St. Louis, Antoine Soulard was married to 
Julia Cerre, daughter of Gabriel Cerre, one of those who came from 
Kaskaskia to St. Louis a few months after its foundation, after the eastern 
portion of the Province of Louisiana fell into the hands of the English. 
He was consequently the brother-in-law of Colonel Augnstc Chouteau, 
•who married Therese Cerre, and likewise brother-in-law of Pascal Cerre, 
all children of Gabriel Cerre, who was engaged at one time extensively 
in trade with the Indians, and owned large landed possessions near St. 
Louis. 

Antoine Soulard died in 1825, and left three sons — James G. Soulard, 
Henry G. Soulard, and Benjamin A. Soulard, all of whom are still living. 

Antoine Soulard had one brother and two sisters, the latter living and 
dying in France. The brother, whose name was Benjamin Soulard, had 
a predilection for military life, and was fitted for it by graduation at a 
military academy. He was lieutenant in the navy, and was at St. Domin- 
go (now Hayti) when the negro insurrection occurred, and the whites 
were nearly all inhumanly massacred. He then went to Cadiz, Spain, and 
for a short time engaged in mercantile pursuits; but when the French 
legions marched into the country, he joined their ranks, and served in 
that eventful war, fortunate at first for the French, but disastrous in its 
termination. 

After the giant strength of Napoleon Bonaparte was forced to yield 
to the tremendous coalition against him, and he was inhumanl}' cast upon 
a barren and rocky isle in the wild waste of ocean, Benjamin Soulard, 
with many other French officers, was restored to his rank in the navy, 
and soon after retired — his pension being the half-pay of captain. He 
carried with him in his retirement the most honorable insignia of his 
profession as emblematic of his worth. He was invested with the order 
of " The Legion of Honor," and also with that of " Knight of St, Louis." 
He died at Kochefort. 

AVe have in this work a portrait of a member of this ancient family, 
and will now proceed to give his biography. 



JAMES G. SOULARD. 

James G. Soulard was born in St. Louis, July l7th, 1V98. He was 
sent to the well-known schoolmaster of the village, Jean Baptiste Trudeau. 
After the retirement of his father, Antoine Soulard, from the surveyorship 



THE SOULARD FAMILY. 543 



of Upper Louisiana, lie received from him much instruction, as he had 
been highly educated in France previous to his entrance in the army. He 
was learned in the practical duties of agricultural life, as his father pos- 
sessed a superior farm, whose limits no'w almost embrace the heart of 
the city of St. Louis. 

James G. Soulard was married in early life to Miss Eliza M. Hunt, 
daughter of Thomas Hunt and of Eunice Wellington, both of Watertown, 
Massachusetts. Her father. Colonel Thomas Hunt, was an officer in 
the United States army, and fought for his country during the trying- 
period of the Revolution. He was stationed at Belle Fontaine, then the 
military post of the country, before the building of the Arsenal, and died 
at the fort, where he commanded. Four weeks afterward the amiable 
wife and devoted mother paid the last debt which humanity pays to 
nature, and was buried by the side of her husband. The turf is now 
green above them both, but their memories are still cherished by friends 
and children. 

James G. Soulard has been engaged in mercantile pursuits, which he 
pursued for some time in the state of Illinois, and for many years was one 
bf the hardy pioneers on the outskirts of civilization. He was for 
a short time a resident of Fort Snelling, Minnesota. He was made 
deputy-surveyor of the general government, and while a resident of Jo 
Daviess county, Illinois, he had so much the confidence of the community, 
that he was elected county recorder and county surveyor, which offices 
he held for many years. For twenty-two years he has resided near the 
flourishing city of Galena, Illinois, where he has been farming extensively, 
and, by his taste for the collection of the finest fruits, and skill in cul- 
tivating them, he has done much to call the attention of agriculturists 
to the profits arising from fruit-culture, and the blessing to the general 
health which attends their consumption. Mr. Soulard was the first to 
introduce the grape into that section of country, and now there are many 
flourishing vineyards which evince the success of its cultivation. He was 
also coast-master of Galena. 

Mr. Soulard has a large family of children — one son and seven daugh- 
ters. The daughters are all married. He is blessed with still a tine 
constitution, though he has drawn heavily upon it during the hardships 
incident to his pioneer life, and Time has but gently touched him during 
the more than threescore years of his existence, leaving scarcely an 
evidence yet of his "decaying fingers." His health is vigorous, his 
step elastic, his form erect, and possessing no mark of the decrepitude 
of age. He is warm and constant in his friendship, and, from his ami- 
able deportment, has always been popular. He was born in St. Louis 
when it was under a foreign domination, and is one of the few still left 
who recollect when our great Metropolis had less than one thousand 
inhabitants. 



THE RIGHT REV. CICERO STEPHENS HAWKS, D. D., 

BISHOP OF MISSOURI. 

The clistin2:uis]iecl subject of this sketch was born May 26th, 1812, 
at Newbeni, North Carolina. His father's family was of Eno-Iish extrac- 
tion, and liis mother's was of Irish origin. They settled in North Carolina 
at an early day. It was his misfortune, however, never to know the 
sweetest boon of childhood — a mother's affection, she having- died when 
he was but two years of age. She was exemplary as a Christian, a wife, 
and mother. His father, Francis Hawks, had nine children, of which the 
subject of this memoir was the youngest son, and on the death of the- 
mother, he was taken under the affectionate charge of the eldest sister, 
Phebe, who afterward married the Hon. Walter Andei'son, late chief- 
justice of the Supreme Court of Florida, and who siill survives her dis 
tinguished husband, and resides in Pensacola. It may be hei'e remarked 
that the two eldest brothers belong to the ministry. The Rev. Francis 
L. Hawks, D. D., LL. D., is the present rector of Calvary Church, New 
York, and the Rev. William N. Hawks is the rector of Trinity Church, 
Columbus, Georgia ; both of them are learned, popular, and eloquent 
divines, and the former has been thrice elected bishop. 

The father of Cicero Stephens Hawks gave to him all the advantages 
of an early education, and among his first classical teachers was the late 
Right Rev. George W. Freeman, D. D., missionary bishop of the south- 
west. After a due preparatory course, at the age of fifteen he entered 
the Sophmore class, of the Universitv of North Carolina. He was inde- 
fatigable as a student; not only did he excel in his scholastic duties, but 
there were none who could compete with him in knowledge of general 
literature. He remained three years at the Univei'sity, and then grad- 
uated. Whilst there he gave indications of his future eminence. His 
mind was comprehensive, brilliant, and logical, and his memory so impres- 
sive that whatever it acquired was ever after recorded upon its tablet. 

After leaving college, in accordance with the wishes of his father, and 
his own inclination, he commenced the study of the law in his native 
town, under instruction of the late Hon. Wm. Gaston, one of the most 
accomplished jurists and statesmen of his time. He had almost com- 
pleted his legal studies when his father died, and, forming new plans for 
the future, in 1833 he went to New York, furnished with introductory 
letters to Chancellor Kent and other prominent gentlemen, and for a 
short time continued to pursue his studies for the legal profession. 

A little while after his advent in New York, his ambition became chas- 
tened, and his early views became elevated, by reading some authors on 
theology under the awakening influences of conscience ; he felt a call to 
the ministry, and under the direction of his brother, the Rev. Francis L. 




THE EIGHT REV. C I C ]: R (J H T E P 11 E K S HAWKS, D . D . , 

Bixhoj^ of Missouri. 

(p. 545.) 
EX(:r.Avi:D rxpuESSLY For. this ^\•0I;K it.om a piiotoceapii by brown. 



BISHOP HAWKS. 547 



Hawks, he commenced his course of studies, and was ordained a deacon 
by Bishop Onderdonk, of New York. His first charge of a congregation 
was in Ulster county, New York ; he officiated also in the neighborhood 
of Red Hook. When he had attained the age of twenty-four, he was 
qualified with the full powers of the ministry. He received many invita- 
tions, to preside over congregations, from diflferent sections of the Union, 
and finally accepted the rectorship of Trinity Church, Buff'alo. His win- 
ning and efficient eloquence, and the influence of an exemplary life, soon 
increased the number of his parishioners, and it was necessary to build 
another church of larger dimensions, and he was beloved by his numerous 
congregation. 

In 1^43, he received an invitation to the rectorship of Christ's Church, 
St. Louis, which he accepted by the advice of his friends. He became 
at once most popular in the new field of his labors, and, with the wishes 
of the resident ministry of the diocese of Missouri, in 1844, he was 
elected bishop unanimously by the House of Bishops, and the election 
confirmed by the House of Clerical and Lay Deputies ; and, October 20, 
3 844, he was consecrated by Bishop Cliase of Illinois, in Christ Church, 
Philadelphia; Bishops Chase and Cobbs, the former of New Hampshire, 
and the latter of Georgia, were consecrated at the same time. Bishop 
Hawks, we believe, is the youngest bishop that has ever been consecrated 
in the Episcopal Church. He was, at his consecration, only thirty-two 
years of age. Possessing an expansive and comprehensive mind, he was 
soon familiar with his new sphere, and his administration over his exten- 
sive diocese has been popular and efficient. 

In 1847, Bishop Hawks received the honorary degree of D. D. from 
the University of Missouri ; at the same time that of LL. D. was conferred 
on the late Thomas H. Benton. 

In 1849, St. Louis was visited by the most dangerous of all known 
maladies, the Asiatic cholera. It was at this season of tribulation, when 
life held by so precarious a tenure, and hundreds were flying from the city, 
that Bishop Hawks was found ministering comfort by the side of the sick 
and the dying. He acted truly the part, during this fearful crisis, of an 
exemplary Christian and a faithful pastor to his fold. Five years after- 
ward, death launched his shaft into his household, and claimed as a 
victim the gentle being who brought happiness to his hearthstone, 
the wife of his bosom. Her maiden name was Ann Jones, daughter 
of Dr. Hugh and Anna Maria Guyon Jones, of Huguenot descent, 
natives of North Carolina. Her illness was a lingering one, yet she was 
sustained by Christian fortitude, and her sufferings assuaged by the balm 
distilled by an approving conscience. She left one daughter, still of a 
tender age, affording solace to the father in the dark hour of affliction. 
Bishop Hawks had also for many years the charge of three of his deceased 
brother's children, two sons and a daughter, who are now comfortably 
settled in married life. 

Bishop Hawks, while firmly advocating and maintaining the tenets of 
his Church, has no sweeping denunciation of others of different views. 
He is a true Christian, and while free from most of the weaknesses incident 
to humanity, he is charitable to the errors of others. His mind is a 
repository of learning garnered from every source, and he possesses rare 
executive powers. His writings, though not as voluminous as his friends 



548 BISHOP HAWKS. 

and admirers would wish, are, nevertheless, known and popular, having 
been for many years a contributor to the various journals. He edited, 
some years ago, " Tlie Boys' and Giils' Library" for the Messrs. Harper, 
and also Appleton's "Library for my Young Countrymen." He wrote 
several of the volumes of "Uncle Philip's Conversations for the Young," 
and was the author of "Friday Christian ; or, the Firstborn of Pitcairn 
Island." In the pulpit, he wields the potent power of true eloquence. 
His discourse, convincing by the strength of argument, is relieved and 
adorned by appropriate rhetorical beauties ; and his manner, without 
beincc glowing or impressive, has the gentle fervency of Christian inspira- 
tion. With health unimpaired, and his mind rich in scholastic lore and 
the wealth of practical experience, the diocese of Missouri can h(^e, for 
many years, his popular superintendence. 




JO UN R. M C UN K, ESQ., 
Pvenident of the, Pilot Kn<>}> Iron Companij. 

(p. m:. , 

KNGEAVEI) KXJ'BKSHLV loic llllrt WORK Ki;<lM A I'lln loliBAl'll liV HKOWN 



JOHN S. M^CUNE, 

PRESIDENT OF PILOT KNOB IRON COMPANY. 

John S. McCune was born, Jane 21st, 1809, in Bourbon Co., Kentucky. 
His parents, John and Mary McCune, were natives of Pennsylvania, and 
emigrated to Kentucky wlien much of the primitive forest of that fertile 
state towered in its native grandeur, untouched by the axe of the sturdy 
pioneer. They appeared to have had a partiality for the excitement of 
pioneer life, for when civilization commenced to supply the luxuries of 
life, and the settlements commenced to thicken with an industrious popu- 
lation, they left their habitation for a newer country, and moved near 
Bowling Green, Pike county, Missouri, in 181Y. John McCune, the elder, 
was remarkable for his innate strength of mind, which always made him a 
leader in the commonwealth in which he lived. He was a skilful agricul- 
turist, and took great delight in possessing fine stock, and spared no pains 
and expense in procuring the choicest strains. He had a large family of 
eight children, four of whom are still living. 

Young John McCune, directly his size admitted of labor, assisted his 
father in the working of the farm, and soon became acquainted with the 
healthful and useful pursuit of agriculture. In 1839 he went to Galena, 
Illinois, and supplied government provisions at St. Peter's, Dunleith, and 
Rock Island, and continued to do, for five years, that extensive and lucra- 
tive business. He then went to Pike county, Louisiana, whei'e he erected 
a large flouring mill, and became engaged also in merchandizing, which 
continued for several years, when Mr. McCune, feeling that the field of 
operations was too circumscribed in the town of Louisiana, resolved on 
moving to St. Louis, where he could extend his business to the magnitude 
he wished. He disposed of his concern, and came to St. Louis in 1841. 
He purchased an interest in the large foundry establishment of Samuel 
Gaty, and still continues connected with that gentleman, the firm being 
well known to every business man in St. Louis, and indeed throughout the 
Union. 

Enterprise has been one of the dominant traits in Mr. McCunc's charac- 
ter. In 1843, believing that a lucrative trade could be established between 
St. Louis and the intervening river towns to Keokuck, he conceived and 
organized the Keokuck Packet Company, and the gigantic enterprise 
startled even some of the most enterprising and venturesome natures in 
St. Louis. Most men predicted a failure, and even the friends of the en- 
terprise distrusted the feasibility of the scheme and feared the result. De- 
spite of all these gloomy predictions, which appeared sufficient to smother 
the enterprise in its incipiency, Mr. McCune soon had his line of packets 



552 JOHN MCCUNK. 



plying between Keokuck and the various cities between it and St. Louis 
on the Mississippi river. The trade proved a most profitable one to all 
engaged, and the company liave reaped a golden harvest. That line of 
packets has not only proved the "philosopher's stone" to their owners, 
but has developed the resources of some of the most flourishing towns on 
the Mississippi river, which had remained uidcnown before the company's 
creation. There are six boats of superior elegance, appearing like palaces 
on the water, which are now running between Keokuck and St. Louis, and 
to John S. McCune belongs the credit of their existence. 

There are some minds of such capacity, that no magnitude of business 
appears sufKcientto fill up its dimensions, and exhaust its ability. Though 
Mr. McCune was connected with an extensive foundry business, and the Keo- 
kuck I'acket Company, he accepted the nomination of the Presidency of 
the Pilot Knob Iron Company in 1857, at the very t^ie that the great 
financial tornado was sweeping through the country, and was ruining and 
laying prostrate every variety of business. The Pilot Knob Iron Company 
felt the pressure upon it, and its aft'airs were in a tottering condition. To 
save themselves from a total wreck, they were on the eve of sacrificing an 
immense amount of their stock to raise the sum of $;300,000, from eastern 
capitalists, when McCune assumed the large liability, and relieved the 
company from its embarrassment. Since that time its aft'airs have been 
in a most healthful condition, and the business is extensive and lucrative. 

Mr. McCune was married May 21st, 1839, to Miss Rulhora Galesby, 
daughter of William Galesby, of Westchester, Pa., and has five children. 
Ilis son is now engaged in the tour of some of the foreign countries, so as 
to perfect his education by travel. There is no one in St. Louis, who holds 
more positions of trust. He is a director in the Real Estate Savings In- 
stitution, State Mutual Insurance Company, and was chiefly instrumental 
in the establishment of a district school ; he is also a dfrector in the Globe 
Insurance Company, President of the Pilot Knob Iron Company, besides 
his connection with the foundry business and packet company. 




11 O N . JOHN MARS H A L L K R U M . 



KN(4UAVKi. r.:xpi!Kssi,Y K<.i: Tiim wouk fiium a i-mot.m.kai-m r.v t-omi.i. 



HON. JOHN MARSHALL KRUM. 

John Marshall Krum, so well known throughout the state as eminent 
in his profession, was born in Columbia county, state of New York. From 
a boy, he was fond of mental culture, and, after passing through the grade 
of instruction afforded by the common schools, he went to Fairfield 
Academy, under the charge of the Rev. John Chassell, and remained 
nearly three years under the tuition of that eminent scholar and divine. 
Leaving Fairfield, he commenced the study of the law, and so well did 
the profession assimilate with his natural affinities, that he progressed by 
far faster than students Avho entered upon it with indifference, and in 
1833 was admitted to practice. 

Mr. Krum was early dazzled by those day-dreams of ambition which 
are incident to an aspiring nature, and, seeing but little opening in hi.^ 
county, he started for the West, and located himself at Alton, Illinois, in 
1834. Here he soon entered upon a lucrative practice, and by his talents 
and integrity so won the respect and confidence of the community, that 
in 1835 he was appointed by the governor of the state to the office of 
probate judge of Madison county. 

In 1837, when Alton was incorporated a city, Mr. Krum was nominated 
l>y the Democratic party as their candidate for the mayoralty, and though 
his opponent was a Methodist divine of great popularity, he was tri- 
umphantly elected. After the expiration of the term of office, he was 
again nominated, but declined the appointment. 

In 1838, he was tendered the nomination of state Senator, but de- 
clined the nomination, as it interfered with his professional duties. In 
1839, he was married to the daughter of Chester Harding, a distinguished 
artist of Boston, and in 1840 he moved to St. Louis, where he could 
have a more extensive arena to display his legal abilities. His reputa- 
tion as a lawyer had preceded him, and his efforts were successful. After 
three years of successful practice, he was appointed judge of the St. Louis 
Circuit Court, whose jurisdiction was far more extensive than at present. 

While on the bench, Mr, Krum published the "Missouri Justice," which 
was received with favor, and is a record of his industry and professional 
learning. Finding that the onerous duties of his office were undermining 
his health, he resigned his judgeship, and again resumed his profession. 
In 1848, he was nominated as candidate for mayor, and was elected, 
though opposed by one of the leading and most popular citizens of the 
place. He has since been attending to the duties of his profession, and 
is known as an able attorney, and one of the successful champions of the 
Democratic party. 
24 



HENRY BOERNSTEIN, 

Publisher of the '■^ Anseiger des Westens,''^ the oldest German ncxospai^cr 
west of the Mississippi. 

Henry Boernstein was born November 4th, 1805, at the town of Ham- 
burg", one of the free German cities of the Hanseatic league. He remained 
in that place until 1813, Avhen his parents emigrated and settled in Lem- 
berg, a city in Austrian Poland, where young Henry was sent to the 
University, and after being accomplished in the requisite preliminary 
education, commenced and completed the study of medicine. 

After leaving the university, Henry lioernstcin was so attracted by the 
ostentatious display of military life, that he entered the Austrian army, 
and remained connected with it during five years, and then, with all of 
the youthful romance which had been brought into play by the camp and 
epaulette banished forever, he resigned his commission in the army, and 
took up liis residence in Vienna, and there he first became connected 
with the press, and was associated with one of the leading journals. Very 
soon he evinced decided dramatic talent, and wrote plays which became 
popular on the theatrical boards, and in 1826 was appointed secretary of 
the two great theatres of the Austrian metropolis — " An Der H^iVn" and 
Josephslads, under Director Carl, who was the justly-celebrated stage- 
manager of Germany, and who has won a world-wide renown from the 
success which has attended his management of the dramatic boards. 

After remaining three years under the instruction of the greatest stage- 
manager iu Europe, Henry Boernstein became chief manager in several of 
the leading theatres of the cities of Germany and Italy — at Linz, Agram, 
Trieste, Venice, and other cities. He was not only known as a successful 
stage-manager, but was also known as a fevorite and popular actor, and in 
1841 he and Mrs. Boernstein entered upon a star-engagement tour through 
the principal cities of Germany, and crowded houses evinced the apprecia- 
tion of the public of their claims as dramatic artistes. 

So popular was Mr. Boernstein in Germany, that he determined to go 
to Paris, "the glass of fashion" of all European cities, and in 1842 he be- 
came manager of the German Opera, in that city, and afterward of the 
Italian Opera. He carried on at the same time correspondence with the 
leadiijg journals of the day, and finding that he could not conveniently 
be an author and a stage-manager at the same time, he dedicated himself 
alone to literature, and wrote a number of plays, which had a fine run in 
the various German theatres. 

Henry Boernstein was always an advocate for freedom. His first 
breath was drawn in a free city, and his beau ideal of a perfect govern- 
ment was the sovereignty of the people ; consequently, wlien Louis Phi- 
lippe was dethroned, he advocated the cause of those who supported the 




H E N li y B () K K N S T E I N , ESQ., 
r\i}iliKhe,r of the " AxLzeiytr dm ir«»<( jm."' 

(p. 557.) 

BNUKAVKIl KXPUE8SLY FOR THIS WOUK FROM K PUUTOORAPII HY BEOWN. 



HENKY BOEKNSTEIN. 559 



French Republic; but when Louis Napoleon became president, and find- 
ing France would again be under the dictatorial rule of a monarch, he 
resolved to go to a country which promised a continuance of the blessings 
arising from the expansive and elevating character of a well-organizeil 
government of the people. He embarked for the United States Decem- 
ber 10th, 1848, and immediately on landing, wended his way to the west, 
and remained for a year at Highland, Illinois, looking about for a proper 
locality, finally to fix himself. 

While at Highland, his literary abilities became known througli his 
correspondence, and he was offered the editorship of the ^'■Anzeigcr dcs 

Westeuis''' at St. Louis. He accepted the offer, and entered upon his duties 
in March, 1850, and very soon after became the publisher and proprietor 
of the paper. This journal has always wielded an immense influence in 
St. Louis, and from the ability and good faith in which it has been edited 
has constantly received a cordial support from the Germans. 

Mr. Boernstein has been true to the interest of his countrymen, and 
through many trying periods of political warfare, has stood forth lear- 
lessly their champion. He contends, and rightfully, that the German 
interest is not a nullity, but should receive some consideration in legisla- 
tive enactments, and they are not bound to sacrifice all their nationalities 
because they do not agree with the caprices and peculiar education of 
"native-born American citizens" who can claim the name, merely beause 
their ancestors, natives of some foreign country, reached our shores some 
years previous to their birth. He contends that the German citizens 
are as true to this Republic, and love and would fight by the " star- 
spangled banner" with as much devotion, as any other class of citizens, 
and therefore they have equal claim to legislative consideration. 

Mr. Boernstein was married November 13th, 1829, to Miss Mary Stol- 
zcr, and has four children, three sons and one daughter. By his talents 
and attention to business, he has already amassed a fortune, and in con- 
sequence of the amenity of his manners, he is both socially and politically 
popular. He is still the publisher and proprietor of the Anzcir/cr dcs 

Westens, and has recently leased the largest theatre in St. Louis, fitted it 
up in an expensive and tasteful manner, and converted it into an opera- 
house, and is doing much to elevate and improve the taste of the citizens 
of St. Louis by the introduction of the true classical drama. 



HON. FRANCIS P. BLAIR, JR. 

Francis P, Blair was born in Lexington, Kentuclcy, February 19th, 
1821. His ffither was a native of Washington county, Virginia, was a 
gentleman of fine scholastic attainments, being a graduate of Transylvania 
University, and as a journalist and politician, was well known throughout 
the whole Union. He was the first editor of "77ie Globe''' at Washington 
City, and continued to preside over that acknowledged organ of the Dem- 
ocratic party until the advent of Mr. Polk in the "White House," when, 
not going the whole length prescribed by the Democratic platform, he 
was required to dispose of the journal to Mr. Ritchie, who was the 
Nestor of journalists, and was the unswerving advocate of Democratic 
principles, as established by conclave. He has now retired from the tur- 
bid currents of political life, and devotes his time to the independent 
and ennobling pursuit of agriculture, though, previous to retiring from 
the political field, when Martin Van Buren advocated the Free-soil doc- 
trine, and drew off large numbers from the Democratic ranks, Mr. Blair 
became a Free-soiler, and warmly supported the new political doctrine. 

Francis P. Blair, jr., the subject of this sketch, was brought up in Ken- 
tucky until nine years of age, when his father's family removed to Wash- 
ington, his father having been invited there the preceding year to edit 
The Globe. He was sent early to school, and, passing through the first 
gradations of education, he was sent to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and 
enjoyed for a short time all the advantages of mental culture afforded by 
that justly-popular institution. His father being a scholar, and estimat- 
ing properly scholastic attainments, then sent him to Princeton, and at 
the age of twenty he obtained his diploma of graduation at Nassau Hall. 

After graduation at Princeton, he returned to Kentucky, and com- 
menced the study of law under the instruction of Lewis Marshall, an 
eminent lawyer, and brother of Chief-Justice Marshall, one of the most 
distinguished jurists of our country. He, however, remained but a short 
time prosecuting his studies, for his health was at that time feeble, and 
came to St. Louis on a visit to his uncle, Judge Blair, and then returning 
to Kentucky, he went to the Law School at Transylvania, where he con- 
tinued until he completed his legal studies. 

Young Blair, when he visited St. Louis to see his brother, had marked 
the vitality everywhere apparent in business, and believing, from its 
splendid location, in its great future, he had then determined to make 
it his home when he commenced his profession. After leaving Transyl- 
vania, he put this design in execution, and returned to St. Louis in 1843, 
for the purpose of practising his profession. He commenced his practice 
under favorable auspices ; but liis health was so feeble, it was much 
feared by his friends tliat the stamina of his constitution were prematurely 
declined. He was advised by his physician, so as eft'ectually to stop the 




HON. FRANCIS P. B L A I K , Jit. 

KNOKAVKI) KXPKKSSI.Y KOK TUI8 WORK FROM A PIIOTIlORA I'll l;Y IJKoWN. 



HON. FRANCIS P. BLAIR, JR. 563 

progress of decline, to alter entirely his habits and pursuits, and, follow- 
ing the advice, he made a trip to the Rocky Mountains in company with 
some traders and trappers, and, at the breaking out of the Mexican war, 
joined the command of General Kearney in Mexico, serving as a private 
soldier. He returned to St. Louis in 1847, and resumed his profession. 

Mr. Blair had his health entirely re-established from the active, wild, 
and exposed life which he led for several years, and even enjoyed the 
deprivations to which he was subjected, owing probably to hereditary 
predisposition for that kind of life, as his mother was a descendant of the 
well-known pioneer Gist, one of the companions of Daniel Boone, when the 
"Bloody Ground" received its sanguinary baptism in the early annals of 
Kentucky. 

In 1848, Mr. Blair, following in the political footprints of his father, 
advocated the tenets advocated by the Van Buren or Free-soil paity, and 
took an active part in that campaign. He became a leader of the party 
at that time, and in ]8o2 was elected to the legislature, and was re-elected 
for the second year. In 1856, he was elected to Congress, and while in 
the House of Representatives fearlessly advocated his doctrines, contend- 
ing against the extension of slavery in the territories. He is no believer 
in the unholy and disgusting tenets advocated by Abolition fanaticism, 
but advocates the gradual abolition of slavery in the Union, and the 
colonization of the slaves emancipated in Central America, which climate 
appears to be happily adapted to their constitutional idiosyncracies. 

In September 8th, 1847, Mr. Blair was joined in wedlock to Miss 
Apolline Alexander, daughter of Andrew Alexander, of Woodford county, 
Kentucky. He is the acknowledged leader of the Free-soil party, not 
only in the state of Missouri, but of the Union; and has ever been the 
friend and supporter of the system of internal improvements, which is so 
rapidly developing the mineral and agricultural wealth of Missouri. 



ALEXAJ^DER KAYSER. 

Alexander Kayser was born at St, Goarshausen, on the Rhine, 
February 15th, 1815, Reinhard Kayser, his father, was a man of high 
repute in the town, and for twenty-eight years magistrate, under the 
Duke of Nassau ; he had been educated as an attorney, but, holding 
office, did not practice. 

As might be inferred from the high position of his father, young Alex- 
ander Kayser had every opportunity of cultivating his mind in the best 
schools, and, at the age of sixteen, showing a preference for architecture, 
he was sent to Frankfort-on-the-Main, that he might accomplish himself 
in that science. However, he remained but a short time there, owing to 
some reverses, and commenced learning the carpenter's trade. At the age 
of eighteen, seeing a pamphlet, written by Dr. Duden, a German physi- 
cian, who had travelled extensively over the United States, lived some 
time in Warren county, in this state, and spoken most favorably of its 
institutions and resources, he determined to leave Germany for the West- 
ern Republic; and, accompanied by his brother Henry and his sister, 
who has become Mrs. Bates, he left Europe, and, after a tedious journey, 
finally reached St. Louis, June 18th, 1833. He purchased a fVirm con- 
tio'uous to St. Louis, on which his sister still resides, but, not liking farm- 
ing, and being prostrated by an attack of sickness, he went to Beards- 
town, Illinois, and pursued the profession of teacher. In 1838, he 
returned to St, Louis, where his brother Henry was employed, in the 
surveyor-general's office, and he obtained a situation in the land-office, 
as acting register under the efficient charge of Mr. De Munn. 

During the municipal magistracy of William Carr Lane, he was 
appointed street commissioner, to which he was again reappointed, 
during the administration of the Hon. John F. Darby; but he shortly 
resigned his office, commenced the study of the law, and was admitted to 
the bar in 1841. 

In 1844, Mr, Kayser was appointed delegate to the Convention in 
Baltimore, and, in 1846, was lieutenant in the Mexican War. 

In 1852, he was chosen by the democratic party, one of the nine pre- 
sidential electors of the state. 

For many years Mr. Kayser has been the most prominent man in St. 
Louis, in taking an active interest in grape culture, and showing how 
greatly Missouri is adapted to the culture of the grape. He gave a pre- 
mium, in 1845, so as to bring forward specimens of the best native wine, 
and, in 1849, offered two premiums of $100 each, and one of $125, for 
the same purpose. He was married to Miss Eloise P. Morrison, grand- 
daughter of General Daniel Bissell. He is an enterprising and useful 
citizen, and highly esteemed in the state of his adoption. 




A L F, X A N D E li K A Y S E U , ESQ. 

(p r.fi.i.) 

K..N<lliAVK.I) KM'KKKSI.Y Kill! THIS W<ll:K FUOM A IMK 1T< XIKAPII RY TUOXHT-T.. 




MAJOR HENEY S. TURNER. 
Treai'iirer tit. Lmiis Agricultural & Mechanical Association. 

Cp. 56T.) 

KNGKAVED EXPRESSLY FOR TIMS W„F.K FROM A PHOTOGRAPH BY BROWN. 



MAJOR HENRY S. TURNER. 

Major Henry S. Turner was born April 1st, 1811, in King George's 
county, state of Virginia. His parents were both of highly respectable 
families of that state, his mother being a Randolph, a name so well known 
and honored in the Old Dominion. Young Turner's early education re- 
ceived proper attention, and, after a preliminary preparatiop, he was sent 
to West Point Academy, in which institution he remained four years, and 
successfully passed through the physical and mental ordeal to which the 
cadets are subjected before they are admitted as officers in the service of 
the United States. 

As an officer, Henry S, Turner occupied a prominent position ; and 
when first-lientenant of dragoons was honored by his country's preference, 
being selected, with two other officers of the same regiment, to bo 
sent to the Royal School of Cavalry, at Saumur, France, for the purpose 
of learning the cavalry tactics, which the French had carried to such re- 
markable perfection. He creditably acquitted himself of his honorable 
mission ; and after a residence of fifteen months at the Royal Military 
Academy, he returned to the United States in 1840. Immediately on 
his return home, being assisted by one of his colleagues who had accom- 
panied him abroad, he translated the French Cavalry Tactics, and by 
judicious modifications, adapted thein to the requirements of our service. 
So highly were his labors appreciated that his work is now the standard 
authority of the cavalry corps of the United States. 

Unfortunately, the life of a soldier, from the controlling nature of his 
vocation, being liable to be ordered at any time to any part of the Union, 
and at all times subjected to the dangers of the battle-field in the emer- 
gency of war, compels many officers to a life of celibacy, who are formed 
by nature to appreciate, to their fullest extent, the honorable and endear- 
ing relation of husband and father. Though Henry S. Turner was early 
ambitious of gathering the honors incidental to his military career, he was 
not proof against the poetical maxim of the Mantuan bard, ^'■Amor vincit 
omnia, et cedamus amori" Having become acquainted with Miss Julia 
M. Hunt, the beautiful and accomplished daughter of Theodore Hunt and 
Anne Lucas, he sought her hand in marriage, and the nuptials took place 
in February, 1841. Lieutenant Turner, since he had become an officer 
of the United States, however he may have thirsted for military glory, 
from the comparative state of peace of the country, had been doomed to 
inaction. At length there were threatening signs on the political horizon, 
and it became apparent to all that a storm was brewing between our 
country and Mexico. Since the battle of San Jacinto, in which a United 
States general and United States citizens were chiefly instrumental in 
defeating the troops of Mexico, that power had ever regarded our govern- 
ment with a jealous and malignant eye; and when by treaty the lone star 
of Texas shone in the glorious constellation of our Union, she declared 
that Texas was still a province of her dominions, and evidently determined 
to bring about a collision. In the war which followed, Lieutenant Turner 



570 MAJOR HENKY S. TURNEK. 

took an active and chivalrous part, serving through the entire campaign, 
and was raised to the rank of captain. 

In 1848 Captain Turner was breveted major; and in the records of the 
war department is the honorable testimonial of the nature of his promo- 
tion — " for gallant and meritorious conduct in the battles of San Pasqual, 
San Gabriel, and Plains of Mesa in California." 

In 1848 Major Turner retired from the army and turned his attention 
to the pleasing pursuits of agriculture near St. Louis. He remained 
thus engaged till 1850, when he received the appointment of assistant- 
treasurer of the United States at St. Louis, which office he held until 
1853, when he resigned, and going to California, there established the 
banking-house of Lucas, Turner & Co. This house remained in operation 
until 1855, when Major Turner returned to St. Louis and became a mem- 
ber of the banking firm of Lucas <fe Simonds, in which he continued until 
the dissolution of copartnership in 1858. In this year he was solicited to 
become a candidate for the General Assembly of Missouri, and was elected 
to that honorable body. 

Major Turner is well known to the inhabitants of St. Louis, and is 
popular with all classes of the community. He possesses the frankness of 
the soldier, is warm in his friendship, and has, in a remarkable degree, 
that suavity of manner which characterizes the well-raised sons of the 
" Old Dominion." He is a zealous advocate of internal improvements, 
and is ready to second all works of public enterprise. He is practical in 
his thoughts, zealous and earnest in action, and is known as an efficient 
worker both in a military and civil capacity. He was one of the corpora- 
tion of the St. Louis Agricutural and Mechanical Association, and since 
its commencement has held the responsible trust of treasurer of the 
association. 

Major Turner has filled many vocations in life, and all of them with 
ability. As a banker he was honorable, and versed in all the commercial 
finesse of the day ; as a legislator he is liberal, practical, and comprehensive 
in his views ; and as a military officer, the official documents of the war 
department bear testimony to his merit, and the book of French cavalry 
tactics which he translated and modified to the requirements of our ser- 
vice, of his talents and acquirements. 



DR. WILLIAM CARR LANE, 



FIRST MAYOR OF ST. LOUIS. 

William Carr Lane was born December 1st, 1 789, in Fayette county, 
Pennsylvania. Plis ancestors were of English origin, with the excep- 
ception of one branch, which was Irish, and came at a very early 
period to Virginia. For many years they made the " Old Dominion" 
their home, until the father of the subject of this memoir emigrated with 
his family to Pennsylvania. They were highly esteemed in their new 
home ; the father being an opulent farmer and very popular, was elected 
repeatedly to the state senate. 

William Carr Lane, in his youth, had good advantages of education. 
His father being a man of sound practical sense, knew how important 
was the wealth of the mind, and sent him to the most respectable in- 
stitutions of learning, that he might fit himself for any profession, and 
be qualified for any career in life. He first had all of the advantages 
which the country schools of his neighborhood could give, then an aca- 
demical education, and finally completed his course at Jefferson College, 
Pennsylvania, where he remained for three years enjoying all of the ad- 
vantages afforded by that justly celebrated institution. From there, after 
a short sojourn at home, still further to perfect him in his education, he 
was sent to Dickinson College of the same state, where he remained for 
two years. Being then fully competent to pursue any vocation, he shortly 
afterward moved to Louisville, Kentucky, and commenced the study of 
medicine under the instruction of Drs. Collins and Johnson, both eminent 
physicians. 

In 1813, Dr. William Carr Lane had that passion for military glory 
which appears to spring spontaneously from the warm blood of youth, 
and which every young man, at some time in the April of his life, ex- 
periences. As a volunteer, he joined a brigade commanded by Colonel 
Russell, of the regular army, in a campaign against the North-west Indians, 
the whole expedition being under the command of Major Taylor, after- 
ward the renowned Mexican hero and president of the Union. 

At the close of the expedition, the professional services of Dr. Lane 
were called into requisition, and he filled the appointment of surgeon's- 
mate at Fort Harrison ; but losing his health, he was ordered to the sta- 
tion at Vincennes, and soon afterward resigned his appointment in the 
army. However, in a short time, receiving an appointment of surgeon's 
mate in the regular army he accepted it, and in that capacity remained 
until ill health again compelled him to retire. He then attended a course 



572 DR. WILLIAM CAER LAifE. 

of medical lectures at the university of Pennsylvania, and at the completion 
o^the course he was promoted to the rank of surgeon, and retained in 
service though the army had been reduced to a peace establishment. 

In 1818, Dr. Carr Lane married Miss Mary Evving, daughter of Nathan- 
iel Ewing, Esq., of Vinccnnes, Indiana, and having sent in his resignation 
of surgeon in the army, which was accepted with reluctance, in the fol- 
lowing year, 1819, he came to St, Louis, and devoted himself wholly to 
the duties of his profession, and soon became one of the leading physicians 
of the place. However, it was but a short time that he was permitted to 
devote his entire time to his profession, for, when Missouri became a state, 
he was appointed the first quartermaster-general ; and when St. Louis 
became incorporated a city he was elected the first mayor. 

So well satisfied \\ ere the people with the administration of Dr. Lane, 
that he was elected for six consecutive years, and after an interim of some 
years he was again elected to the office, and served a second term of three 
years. His labor during his official administration over municipal atiairs 
was untiring. Daring his first administration there was but little pave- 
ment, and in some seasons ofthe year the streets were almost impassable from 
the mud, the government of the city was in a disordered and inetiective 
condition, and the revenue ofthe city was wholly inadequate to its wants. 
He went to work with that vigor so characteristic of liis nature, and soon 
many of the streets were graded and paved, wholesome laws were enacted, 
and the treasury was replenished. His administration was popular and 
successful. 

Dr. Lane has also served three terms in the Missouri legislature, and for 
several years filled a professors chair in the medical depaitment of 
Kemper's College. He has always been a hard worker. 

When Mr. Fillmore was called to the presidential chair, he appointed 
Dr. Lane governor of New Mexico, a country at that time settled in a 
great measure by lawless spirits and unprincipled adventurers. Prompt 
and decisive action and clear judgment were necessary in the executive to 
calm the dangerous elements of which it was composed, and bring them, 
insensibly, under the salutary dominion of the law. The governor was 
eqiial to the emergency of the occasion, and soon the country exhibited 
all the indications of administrative healthfulness. When Mr. Pierce be- 
came president. Dr. Lane resigned, and returned to St. Louis. 

Dr. Lane is well and favorably known throughout Missouri, and has a 
fame beyond its limits. He is in the evening of life, but all the essentials 
of happiness are about him — "health, peace, and competence." 




JOHN J. ANDERSON, ESQ., 

PreKident of the Bank, <if St. Louis 

(p. 5T.3.) 
r.N<n:.\vi:i« kxpiiksslv fok this wuuk fkom a piiOTooRAPir by brown. 



JOHN J. ANDERSON, 

PRESIDENT OF THE BANK OF ST. LOUIS. 

On the other side of the Mississippi, three miles south of St. Louis, 
in the little French village of Cahokia, January 19th, 1813, John J. 
Anderson, the well-known banker of St. Louis, was born. 

During the war of 1812, his father, Reuben Anderson, was connected 
with the army, and emigrated from the state of Delaware when some 
military companies were ordered West. He had charge of the military 
stores when the troops were stationed at Bellefontaine, and in the change 
of location incident to military life, he had to move from station to 
station until his connection with the army was severed. He had mar- 
ried Miss Margaret Byron, daughter of Captain Byron, of the United 
States army, and the eldest child of the marriage was the subject of this 
memoir. 

The first recollections of John Anderson are associated with the French 
hamlet of Cahokia, surrounded by the thick forest trees in which it then 
nestled, and which concealed it almost totally from view, until the visitor 
entered upon the open space which surrounded the romantic village. He 
remained there until Belleville was made the capital of the county, when 
his father removed froiii Cahokia to the new seat of government, and was 
soon after appointed sheriff", which responsible public office he held for 
eight years — or until his death, which took place in 1822. By his death 
the family was left in rather straitened circumstances, and young John 
J. Anderson, who was then attending school, soon after was removed 
from the school-house, at the early age of thirteen. It was necessary 
that he should earn his own livelihood, and, entering thus early upon the 
eddying currents of life, he came to St. Louis July 2d, 1827. 

The first business experience of John J. Anderson was in the store of 
Richard Ropier, where he was employed first as a boy, but being of an 
ambitious and diligent nature, as he advanced in years, he was gradually 
promoted, until he became the confidential clerk of the proprietor, and 
in 1834 became a partner in the concern, the firm then becoming Ropier 
& Anderson. Two years afterward, Mr. Ropier retired, and the junior 
partner purchased the whole business, which he conducted upon a most 
extensive scale, and for many years in the most profitable manner. 

Commercial life is ever precarious, and subject to uncertainties and 
fluctuations, which the most observing and cautious cannot at all times 
control. In the year 1842, the pecuniary pressure was so great that many 
of the strongest firms in the country were forced to submit to the 
stringency of the times, and could not meet their financial contracts. 
John J. Anderson was of this number. He failed; but all of his debts, 
when fortune again smiled upon him, he cancelled in an honorable 
manner. 

AVith all his worldly wealth swept away, and having debts hanging 



576 JOHN J. AKDERSON. 



over him, and feeling keenly the torture of the rankling shafts of adver- 
sity, the spirit of John J. Anderson was not subdued, but was nerved to 
greater eftbrts. He conducted mining and merchandizing for a short time, 
and was then appointed clerk of the City Council in the spring of 1843. 

About this time, Joseph S. Morrison, of Pennsylvania, came to St. 
Louis, and, becoming acquainted with Mr. Anderson, had so much confi- 
dence in his business capacity, that he offered to take him as partner in 
the banking business, which offer being accepted, the new banking-house 
went into operation under the title of John J. Anderson & Co., which con- 
tinued until 1849, when Mr. Morrison retired. 

Every one who has been a resident of St. Louis for a little more than a 
score of years, remembers the great fire of 1849, and the terrible visita- 
tion of the Asiatic cholera. The general conflagration in the eastern part 
of the city burnt the banking-house of Mr. Anderson to the ground, but 
quickly he commenced building the structure in which he is at present 
located, at the corner of Main and Olive streets, and then took Reuben 
L. Anderson, his brother, into partnership. 

Mr. Anderson has taken an active part in the government of St, Louis, 
and was a member of the Common Council for four years. He took an 
active part in all measures tending to the improvement of the harbor, 
and ably seconded the effective eft'orts of the Hon. Luther M. Kennett, 
to whom St, Louis owes so much for having removed the obstructions 
of the harbor. He was the chairman of the Committee on Ways and 
Means, when one million of dollars was appropriated to the Ohio and 
Mississippi and Pacific Railroads — half a million each. He was two years 
director in the Pacific Railroad, was a director in the Iron Mountain Rail- 
road, and is now a director in the North Missouri Railroad. He procured 
for the Bank of St. Louis its charter, subscribed liberally to its stock, and 
is now its efficient president. 

So popular was John J. Anderson from his official service in the City 
Council, that he has been since frequently importuned by his friends to 
become a candidate for other high and responsible public offices, but has 
always declined. The new marble building which he has erected is a 
monument of his liberal enterprise. The marble was brought from the 
quarries of Vermont, and it was the first entire marble building that was 
erected in St. Louis. Its cost exceeded $80,000. He is one of the ten 
gentlemen that have undertaken the building of the Southern Hotel, of 
this city, which will be one of the palatial structures of the Union — cost- 
ing $600,000. 

On April 23d, 1835, Mr, Anderson was married to Miss Theresa Billon, 
daughter of Charles L. Billon, of Philadelphia. He has worked out a 
destiny of which any one might be proud ; and whatever of wealth, pub- 
lic confidence, and social position he has achieved, he owes to the self- 
reliant and energetic elements which make up his character. 




B . W . ALEXANDER, ESQ. 

(p. ST7.) 

ENGRA.VF.I) KXPKESSI.Y FOP. THIS WORK KROM A PlIOT0f;RAPII BY TEOXF.I.l.. 



B. W. ALEXANDER. 

B. W. Alexander was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, November 14, 
1809. At an early period, when Kentucky was almost a wild, his parents, 
William and Cynthia Alexander^ emigrated from the state of New York, 
and came to the state where the subject of this memoir was born. 

When at the early age of twelve, B. W. Alexander left his father, and 
he was bound to Thomas Sommers, a bricklayer. During his indenture 
he took every opportunity to improve his mind, attending constantly the 
evening schools, and read with avidity all books within his reach. After 
putting up for many years with bad treatment from his master, he de- 
termined to loose himself from his torturing tyranny, and ran away in 
1828, and came to St. Louis. He pursued sedulously his trade for three 
years, and then, having accumulated a small capital, commenced the livery 
business, which he conducted with great success until 1853, when he sold 
out his well known concern, and opened a commission house under the 
firm of Alexander & Lansing, which continued four years, and then was 
succeeded by the firm of B. W. Alexander & Co. 

There are some men whose judgment appears almost infallible, and from 
the success which crowns their every effort, one is almost induced to be- 
lieve that there is some truth in astrology, and that to be born under a 
fortunate star, is to insure success in every undertaking. Whatever Mr. 
Alexander has touched has thriven, and the diversified pursuits in which 
he has been engaged, have always yielded a lucrative profit. The esteem 
with which he is held by the community in which he lives, is proved by 
the following positions of trust which he holds : — he is president of the 
Commercial Insurance Company, director of the St. Louis Bank, director 
of the Pacific Railroad Company, was director of the Boatmen's Saving 
Institution, and also one of its corporation, and has served in the city 
council. 

Mr. Alexander has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Thel- 
keld, of Kentucky, by whom he had one child, a daughter, who is married 
to Mr. A. L. Hardcastle, a well known citizen of St. Louis, and of the firm 
of Bryan & Hardcastle ; the second wife is Miss Octavia E. Orme, daughter 
of Archibald E. Orme of this city. 

The ambition of Mr. Alexander has been to become a thorough business 
man, and his well known reputation is a testimony that he has succeeded 
in the accomplishment of his wishes. 



AARON W. FAGIN. 

Aaron W. Fagin was born in Claiimont county, Ohio, March 11, 1812. 
His parents, Joseph and Rachel Fagin, were respectable and worthy people 
who emigrated early in life, from the state of New Jersey and came to 
Ohio, which at that time, was atti'acting a numerous population. Joseph 
Fagin commenced trading on the Ohio River, and pursued that occupation 
with much profit to himself and family. He was an honorable and in- 
dustrious man, and carefully instilled into his children the same principles 
of honor and industry which formed the basis of his own conduct. He 
died at the advanced age of eighty years. 

Aaron W. Fagin was the fifth child of the six which are now living. 
He was early taught by his father how to work on the farm ; and during 
the busy season was always engaged in preparing, working, and saving the 
crops. He went to school in the winter, the season of comparative leisure, 
and this was the only basis of his education, which he was very assiduous 
in improving, by the liberal purchase of useful books and studying them 
during the moments of intermission from labor. He continued his con- 
nection with the farm until twenty years of age, and was then married 
to Miss Sarah Bradburv, who resided in the same county, December 10, 
1830. 

After his marriage, Mr. Fagin, not being partial to the monotonous life 
of a farmer, where small profits were earned by much labor, quitted that 
pursuit, and joined himself with his father in a general trading business 
on the river. 

This new business much more assimilated with his natural disposition, 
and first called into action those business qualifications, for which he has 
since been so remarkable. His attention, judgment, and industry, soon 
produced their usual etfects upon his pursuits, and the firm of Fagin & 
Sons gathered large profits from their immense business ; their trade ex- 
tending to New Orleans. It had the confidence of all, and well deserved 
it ; for, when the pecuniary crisis of 1837, caused banks and bankers, and. 
individuals engaged in all classes of business to break or suspend, the 
firm of Fagin <k Sons stood nnmoved amid the general ruin, and was ready 
to liquidate any demand made npon them. In a little while after the 
panic, Mr. Fagin dissolved connection with his father, resolving to look 
about him for a little season, before commencing business on his own ac- 
count. In 1839 having wound up his affairs he again recommenced the 
trading business, in which he continued for two years ; and then acting on 
the suggestions and advice of his friend, Mr. George Carlysle, a respect- 
able and wealthy citizen of Cincinnati, who stood high in tlae financial cir- 
cles, he came to St. Louis in December, 1842, where he entered upon the 
commission and produce business. 




A A R O X W . F A G I X , !■: S Q . 

(p. 581.) 

ENGRAVED EXPRESSLY FOR THIS WORK FROM A PHOTOGRAPH ISV l.KOWN. 



AAEON W. FAGIN. 583 



The same success -which attended Mr. Fagin in other localities, attended 
him in St. Louis. He did an extensive commission and produce business, 
and was the first person in St. Louis who carried on business of any 
magnitude with the Ohio River. He frequently sought the fertile bottoms 
of that beautiful river for produce, often exchanging lead for corn, wheat, 
rye, &c. 

He continued in this business until 1849, when he commenced the build- 
ing of his large United States Mill, the fame of whose flour has since spread 
so widely over the Union. In the milling business he pursued the same 
course which had insured him success in other avocations. He entered 
upon it with a determination to succeed, and, strictly attending to his 
business, and making himself familiar with all of its details, his brands of 
flour soon became in demand; and his well known brand, in itself so 
characteristic of excellence, "a hand holding the four aces" stamped on 
the head of the barrel, is known throughout the Union. 

For the purpose of facilitating trade, Mr. Fagin, by his efforts, first 
organized the Millers' Exchange, which, in its incipiency, was viewed by 
many with disfavor, but became eventually the basis of the present Mer- 
chants' P^xchange, which regulates the great commercial interest of St. 
Louis. His milling business annually amounts to the enormous aggregate 
of a million and a half dollars. 

In politics, Mr. Fagin, without taking any prominent part, has always 
been identified with the old Whig party. He is a director in the Union 
Insurance Company, and is looked upon as one of the leading business 
men in the o-reat Metropolis of the West. 



JOSEPH CHARLESS. 

[extract from "the great west."] 

"Joseph Charless was born January iVth, 1804, at Lexington, Ken- 
tucky. He is of a most reputable family, who were forced to flee from 
Ireland, and arrived in this country, at the city of New York, in 1795. 
All will remember the sad circumstances connected with the Irish rebel- 
lion, at the head of which figured the young and noble Emmet, who fell 
a sacrifice for loving too well his enslaved country. Joseph Charless, the 
father of the subject of this memoir, was actively engaged in the spirit 
of resistance, but when the plan for resistance was discovered in its incipi- 
ency, he precipitately fled to avoid the halter or transportation ; and, after 
a sojourn of some time in France, sailed for the United States. 

"He was a printer by trade, and established himself in the city of Phila- 
delphia. He worked for Matthew Carey, who, at that time, did the largest 
publishing business in the Quaker City, and Mr. Charless often boasted 
that he printed the first quarto edition of the Bible that was ever issued 
in the United States. Marrying Miss Sarah (iouch in 1798, in two years 
after he started for Kentucky, and settled in Lexington, where he pur- 
sued his business, and in 1807 came to St. Louis, lie can boast of having 
started the first paper in the city of St. Louis and west of the Mississippi 
river, having, in July, 1808, started the Missouri Gazette^ which is still in 
existence, and is known now as the Missouri Republican, which has the 
largest circulation of any journal west of the Alleghany mountains. He 
died in 1834. 

"The first years of the young Joseph Charless were partially employed 
in receiving the limited instructions which the village schoolmaster at 
that time could impart, and directly he had attained a working size, he 
was put to work as a printer in his father's office, and while in that em- 
ployment gleaned a great deal of useful knowledge ; he then commenced 
the study of the law, and read for some time in the office of Fi-ancis 
Spaulding, and afterward went to complete his legal education at the 
Transylvania University, Kentucky. 

" In 1828, Mr, ('harless entered into partnership with his father, who 
had sold out the Missouri Gazette, and gone into the drug business. He 
still continues in that pursuit, and is the senior partner of the large and 
respectable firm now known as Charless, Blow & Co. 

" In politics, Mr. Charless has always been identified with the Old Whig 
party; but has never been a politician, nor has he sought the loaves and 
fishes of office. His sphere in life has been in a business circle, and he 
is well known in St. Louis, and his name carries with it respect and 
influence. He has been in St. Louis since a few years after his birth, 
and has witnessed and helped to make the great change from poverty to 




JOSEPH C II A R L E S S , ESQ. 

(p 585.) 

ENORiVKn K\I>RK8HLY FOR THI8 WORK FROM A PHOTOORAPIF BY BROWN. 



JOSEPH CHARLESS. 587 



wealth, from log-houses to palatial residences, which has taken place in 
the last two-score years in the Mound City. 

"Mrs. Sarah Charless, his mother, was a most exemplary Christian, and 
was the first to set in agitation an organization for the building of the first 
Presbyterian church in St. Louis, and from her hospitable doors no un- 
happy stranger or suflfering mendicant was ever turned away unrelieved. 
She died loved and regretted ; for she had lived in the service of her 
Creator, and in loving and assisting her fellow-creatures. 

" In nearly all works of general and municipal importance, Mr. Charless 
was connected. He has been a member of the Board of Aldermen, 
director in the Public Schools, has been president of the Bank of the 
State of Missouri, and is now president of the Mechanics' Bank of this 
city, and one of the directors of the Pacific Railroad. He is likewise a 
Christian, being a member of the Presbyterian church, and was one of the 
most active to carry into execution the building of the City University, 
which is an ornament of the city, and is under the control of the Pres- 
byterian church. 

"November 8th, 1831, Mr. Charless married Miss Charlotte Blow, 
daughter of Captain Blow, of Virginia. He is of domestic habits, and 
his sterling business qualities, integrity, social disposition and enterprise, 
have created a large number of friends, and given him deserving influence 
in the city which few possess." 

Since writing the above, Mr. Charless was shot in the streets of St. 
Louis, in June, 1859, by a man named Thornton, for having a year pre- 
viously given some testimony operating against him at a public trial. The 
indignation of the citizens was aroused, and the murderer narrowly escaped 
being hung on the spot. 

25 




HON. EUWAKD BATES. 

KUOM A I'ORTRAIT LATELY TAKEN EXPRESSLY FOR THIS WORK BV TUOXELL. — (SEE PAGE hT.) 



APPENDIX. 



(1) page 240. There arc a dozen instances in the Archives and Livre- 
Terrein where the founder of St. Louis has signed his name Pierre Laclede 
Liguest. Why he was known by the name of Laclede by the old in- 
habitants, is very easily accounted for. In the first stages of society 
there is no caste, no ceremony ; every person is on the most familiar 
footing, and it was rare that any one was called but by one name ; and 
that is as seldom the patronymic. The Christian or middle names are 
generally used. The inhabitants called the founder of the village Laclede 
in their daily familiar intercourse, but when it was signed by himself in 
legal instruments, it was written Laclede Liguest, or Pierre Laclede 
Liguest. 

(2) page 242. There is a statement made by Jean Baptiste Riviere 
dit Baccane, and recorded in Hunt's Minutes, that Laclede remained 
some time in Kaskaskia, previous to his visit to St. Louis, after he had 
sent Auguste Chouteau to take possession of the spot. In another portion 
of the same record it is related that the warehouse of the company was 
built on the jmblic square — the block now occupied by the Merchants' 
Exchange, between Market and Walnut, and Main and Front streets. 

(3) page 250. The hunters and traders of those days were a graceless 
set of scamps, take them as a whole. They were a jovial, ignoraut, and 
immoral set, though possessing honesty, courage, and self-reliance. If a 
true history could be made of some of their adventures, it would present 
hair-breadth escapes, feats of daring intrepidity, and suftering in all its 
phases, more plentifully than adorn the works of Spanish romance. 

(4) page 250. Third street was not opened until after 1800; for at 
the change of government it was only opened south of Market street. 

(5) page 261, "In the year 1774, the 27th of December, I the under- 
signed have buried the body of Louis St. Ange de Bellerive, Captain of 
the Swiss Battalion of Louisiana, in the cemetery of this sacristy, and have 
administered the sacraments of the church. Frere Valentin." 

From Register of Catholic Church. 

(6) page 265. There was a female who became afterward the school- 
mistress of the village, who when the savage made the attack, put on a 
coat, and buttoning it well up to her chin, and armed with a pistol in one 
hand and with a knife in the other, took her station at one of the gates, 
encouraged the men to make a valiant defence, and fearlessly exposed her 
person to the fire of the savages. This feat of courage dubbed her as a 
female warrior, and ever after she had the reputation of a heroine. 

(1^ page 268. 

(8) 273. It was during the administration of Perez, in the year 1792, 



590 APPENDIX. 



that the honey-bee, that ever luims upon the track of civilization, appeared 
in tlie neigliborhood of St. Louis. The first swarm settled in the garden 
of Madame Chouteau, and was a source of much interest to the inhab- 
itants. Nine years after the advent of the honey-bee, the inhabitants of 
St. Louis were visited by that dreadful malady, the small-pox. It was 
brought from New-Orleans by some of the voyageiirs^ and proved very 
fatal to the inhabitants, as its proper treatment was little understood. The 
year of the visitation was called Vannec de la picote (the year of the 
Small-pox). 

(9) page 2*77. There were three men, commandants in Upper Louisiana 
at tlie time of the transfer, who were deputy commandants, Don Francis 
Valle, commandant at St. Genevieve ; Don Louis Lorimer, commandant 
at Cape Girardeau, and Don Juan Lavallee, conmiandant at New Mad- 
rid. 

The governor-general of Louisiana was for many years vested with 
all the powers of intendant-general, until the appointment of Morales. 

Delassus in 1803 received the following document from New Orleans, 
which rendered it illegal for him to grant lands after its reception. His 
not obeying strictly the order, opened the door to much dispute concern- 
ing land claims : 

"On account of the death of the assessor of tliis intendancy, and there 
not being in the Province a learned man who can supply his place, I have 
closed the tribunal of aflfairs and causes relating to grants and composi- 
tions of royal lands, and the 81st article of the royal ordinance for the 
intendants of New Spain provides that, for conducting that tribunal and 
substantiating its acts, the concurrence of that officer shall be necessary. 
I make this communication to apprise you of this providence, and that 
you may not receive or transmit memorials for the grant of lands, until 
further orders. God preserve you, &c. 

"New Orlkans, December 1st, 1802." 

(10) page 278. There were a great many inhabitants, it is true, who 
looked upon the transfer even at first with disfavor, but it was confined 
principally to that class whose possessions were meagre, and consequently 
who had but little to hope for in the rise of property. The couriers des 
bois and the voyageurs, doubtless regretted the change, as it gave pos- 
session of the country to a people who would throw some trammels over 
the wild liberties of their vagabondish life; and as we have in another 
part of this narrative given some description of the power of this half- 
civilized race, we will give some description of the latter. 

The voyageurs were principally French Canadians, brought up from 
their infiincy to follow the navigation of the vratercourses for a livelihood. 
They were a hardy, reckless race of men, whose ambition consisted in 
braving danger, and performing feats of personal prowess. Those who 
plied the oar on the eddying currents of the Father of Waters had in a 
greater degree that hardihood, recklessness, courage, love of danger, and 
strife, which characterized these demi-savages of the Caucasian race. 

It was the custom, for one who had been victor in many contests, and 
was considered a champion, on going ashore to place in his cap a scarlet 
feather, or a piece of red flannel representing a kind of flag, as a challenge 
to any one who dared dispute his title of precedence to personal strength 



APPENDIX. 591 



and prowess. The banks of the Mississippi were the scene of many a 
bloody encounter between the desperate set of men who lived upon its 
waters. 

The voyageurs among; the i^eoplc in those earlv days, were looked upon 
with much respect, and especially by the young girls were viewed with 
special favor; and those who, still young, could boast of making the most 
trips to New Orleans, and victorious in the most encounters, received the 
most significant attention. These hardy men had to pass a term of pro- 
bation, before they received tlie appellation of voyageurs. During the 
first year of their plying the oar they were in derision termed mangeurs 
a lard (pork eaters), and were the subjects of many jests until their 
term of probation had expired, and they were dubbed with the degree 
of voyageurs. 

These voyageurs were the precursors of what were afterward known 
on the Ohio, Mississippi and other Western rivers as flat-boatmen, who 
had all their characteristics. These fiatboat-men in great numbers, some 
years after the change of government, plied between St. Louis jind New 
Orleans, and were as desperate a set of vagabonds as ever bore the seal 
of humanity. Among the number was Mike Fink, who has been made 
the hero of a popular novel. This dare-devil had his home in St. Louis, 
and there are still living some few old citizens who have seen and known 
him. We will relate one of his atrocious deeds, which was ultimately the 
cause of death. 

One of the feats of Mike Fink was to shoot an apple with his rifle from 
the hand of a man by the name of Carpenter, which he had done over 
and over again for a gallon of whiskey, halving it on all occasions with 
Carpenter, who jeoparded his life so fearfully on these occasions. 

The friendship which had so long subsisted between these brave and 
lawless men, was interrupted by a quarrel, and before the i-ancor had 
entirely passed, some one otfci'cd Carpenter a gallon of whiskey if he 
would let some one shoot an apple from his hand. The temptation was 
irresistible to Carpenter, and he was unwilling that any one perfocm the 
feat but Mike Fink. Mike Fink was sent for, and, arrived at the spot, 
professed his willingness to do what he had so frequently done before 
successfully. Carpenter took his station at eighty yards, and as Mike 
Fink raised his rifle, his countenance changed to a demon's hue, black and 
fearful. In an instant his experienced eye ranged the lead with the 
sights, and then when every muscle was still and unmoved as a rock, 
the rifle was fired, and, to the horror of all. Carpenter fell dead upon the 
spot, the ball having perforated his forehead. Mike Fink pretended that 
the rifle hung fire, and the death was entirely accidental. However, in 
one of his drunken orgies he confessed to have done it designedly, and 
being threatened with arrest went far up the Missouri to escape from the 
meshes of the law. Pirate vengeance is more searching for life than 
public justice, and one of the boon companions of Carpenter followed the 
mui'derer to his wild haunts and stabbed him to the heart. 

While we are giving a sketch of some of the desperate men who lived 
in early times, we will give a short space in placing upon record, as illustra- 
tions of an epoch that was remarkable for the lowness of its morality, 
some of the achievements of Dick or Ned Pierce. This man was power- 
fully built, an idle, loafing fellow, but brave as a lion and the bully of the 



>02 APPENDIX. 



plfice. lie had numberless contests in the rough and tumble manner, and 
liad always been the victor. He had fought with the strongest and most 
experienced fighters in the country, and their sledge-like blows had no 
more effect upon the head of Pierce than on an anvil. Pierce began to 
have great faith in the hardness of his skull, and offered on one occasion to 
fight a ram which was running in the common, and was remarkable for his 
viciousness. The fight was to be a la mode the ram butting. If successful 
he was to have a gallon of whiskey. 

The announcement created quite a sensation in the village, and numbers 
went to see the contest between Pierce and the ram. Pierce teased and 
aggravated the ram to the fighting point, and the animal, frenzied by 
rage, ran backward, according to his fashion of combat, and, with all 
his speed, his tremendous bound, he ran toward Pierce, who, upon his 
hands and knees, a'waited him, and as the animal, with a terrible dash, 
aimed at his head. Pierce escaped the shock by lowering his head, and 
raising it with all of his force, in time to strike the lower jaw of the ram, 
■when the animal fell lifeless — his neck was broken. He obtained two or 
three victories in this way, and was at last killed by a large ram owned 
by Colonel Chouteau, When the ram made a dash at him, Pierce, ac- 
cording to custom, suddenly attempted to lower his head, but a stubble 
sticking in his nostril, caused him, from the pain, quickly to elevate it, 
and he received upon his forehead the full blow of the ram, and his 
brains were spattered upon the soil. 

(10) page 279. Some of the old inhabitants contend that the origin of the 
name was in this wise. Frequently the inhabitants of St. Louis would go 
to Carpndelet upon excursions of pleasure, and it was remarked that they 
always returned with an empty pocket — their money being generally lost 
in gaming, to which some of the inhabitants were addicted. Hence all 
returning from the village with an empty pocket {vide 2?oche), it became 
afterward known by that name. 

(12) page 291. General William Harrison was governor at that time 
of the Territory of Indiana, and visited St. Louis so as to see the condi- 
tion of the District of Louisiana, and perform properly the responsible 
duties vesting in him. After examining into tlie condition of things, he 
returned to Indiana, and, in connection with the judges of that territory, 
passed some laws relative to the government of the new district. They 
were passed October 1st, 1804, and the acts were as follows: concerning 
crimes and punishments, justices' courts, slaves, taxes, militia, recorder's 
office, attorneys, constables, boatmen, defalcation, court rules, establish- 
ment of probate court, courts of judicature, oath of office, appointment 
of sheriffs, and regulation of marriages. The last act is dated April 24lh, 
1805, which was after the passage of the act of Congress changing the 
name of the District of Louisiana to that of "The Territory of Louisiana," 
but before the news of the act by the general government had reached 
Indiana. 

General Wilkinson was appointed governor at the passage of the act, 
March 3d, 1805, but was ordered in 1806 by the general government to 
watch and report the suspected movements of Burr, and Merrywether 
Lewis was appointed in his place ; who remained governor till 1809, when, 
committing suicide, Benjamin Howard was appointed, and served till the 
appointment of General William Clark in 1813; and General Clark re- 



APPENDIX. 593 



mained governor until Missouri became a state, in 1820, when Alexander 
McNair was elected to the executive office. Mrs. Alexander McNair is 
still living, at a very advanced age, in St. Louis. 

(13) page 292. The lirst postmaster in St. Louis was Rufus Easton, 
who came at the close ot" 1804 to St. Louis, and as a member of the 
bar, directed his energies to the investigation of real estate titles, and 
became a high authority in that channel of legal business. He was a 
gentleman of known integrit}^ and had the confidence of the community. 

(14) page 308. Colonel Leistendorfer settled in Caroudelet, and raised 
a large family. Some of his sons became extensive traders, and were most 
respectable citizens. The general government recognized the services of 
Colonel Leistendorfer in Africa, by ordering him a pension. 

There is an anecdote told of the Colonel's expertness in sleight-of-hand 
necromancy, which would do honor to a professed Indian juggler, and, as 
it is somewhat illustrative of the history of the city, we will give it, as 
it smacks of interest and amusement. 

One evening. Colonel Leistendorfer was performing in the house of old 
Joseph Robidoux, an Indian trader, living at the corner of Main and Elm 
streets, and a large attendance of the villagers were present. He an- 
nounced to the company that he would raise a chicken from an egg, and, 
after it was full-grown, would cook and serve it up to the company. The 
audience were highlv pleased with the announcement of this favorite 
triclv. and watched the proceedings with much interest. The ogg was 
first shown to the company, placed in a little box that was emptied, then 
the box was closed, and straightway was heard the complaining notes of a 
young chicken; and, on opening the box, lo! a young chicken was found. 
It was transferred to another box, closed up, and immediately reopened, 
and the chicken had become enough to make a good broil for breakfast. 
It underwent quite a number of changes, growing larger each time, until 
it had reached the size of a full-grown chicken. Then the head was cut 
off" before the company, and the body, head and all placed on a dish, and. 
after being transferred to a box, from which it was taken a few minutes 
afterward, cooked to a beautiful brown, and swimming in gravy, from 
which a most inviting flavor emanated. The magician invited one of the 
company to carve the chicken, as he intended that the audience should 
partake of the fowl, aud judge of the merits of the cooking. Judge Wm. 
C. Carr, then a young attorney, took the knife and fork that was handed 
to him, and was on the point of using the latter in transfixing the breast 
of the chicken, when, to the utter astonishment of all, there was a con- 
vulsive movement in the dish, and a live chicken flew from it on the sort 
of a stage that had been erected, causing the gravy to splash considerably 
over the young lawyer. 

(14) page 309. Before the establishment of a bank in St. Louis, there 
was but little money afloat, the business being carried on through trade 
in lead, and all kinds of peltry were given in exchange for groceries and 
dry goods. 

(15) page 340. The first bricklayer who lived and followed his voca- 
tion in St. Louis was named John Lee. Mr. Pierre Berthold, Sen., saw 
him in Marietta, in Ohio, and persuaded him to accompany him to St. 
Louis, and carry on his business. Lee consented ; and the first brick house 
that was erected was of the brick he manufactured. The house was built 



594 APPENDIX. 



on Main street, between Chesnut and Market streets, and was built for 
Bertliold & Chouteau. There have been many disputes concerning who 
owned the first brick house in St. Louis; and, as we have joiven much 
attention to the matter, we are prepared to give authentic information. 
Christian Wilt owned the second, Judge Carr the third, Manuel Lisa the 
fourth, and John Smith the fifth. 

Mr. John Lee, the first bricklayer who came to St. Louis, for some 
years had a monopoly in his business. He raised a large family, and 
some of his grandchildren have intermarried with some of the princely 
merchants of St. Louis. 



The following is from the Port Folio : 

"THE MISSOURI TRAPPER. 

" The varied fortunes of those who bear the above cognomen, what- 
ever may be their virtues or demerits, must, upon the common principles 
of humanity, claim our sympathy, while they cannot fail to awaken admi- 
ration. The hardships voluntarily encountered, and the privations man- 
fully endured, by this hardy race, in the exercise of their perilous calling, 
present abundant proofs of those peculiar characteristics which distin- 
guish the American woodsmen. The trackless deserts of Missouri, the 
fastnesses of the Rocky Mountains, have all been explored by these oold 
adventurers; and the great and increasing importance of the Missouri 
fur-trade is an evidence as well of their numbers as of their skill and 
perseverance. 

"The ingenious author of Robinson Crusoe has shown, by an agreeable 
fiction, that man may exist in a desert, without the society or aid of his 
fellow-creatures, and unassisted by those contrivances of art which are 
deemed indispensable in a state of civilized society ; that nature will 
supply all his absolute wants, and that his own ingenuity will suggest 
ways and means of living, which are not dreamt of in the philosophy 
of polished circles. That which the novelist deemed barely p(jssible, and 
which a large portion of his readers have always considered as marvel- 
lously incredible, is now daily and hourly reduced to practice in our 
western forests. Here may be found many a Crusoe clad in skins, and 
contentedly keeping 'bachelor's hall,' in the wild woods, unblessed by 
the smiles of beauty, uncheered by the voice of humanity — without even 
a 'man Friday' for company, and ignorant of the busy world, its cares, its 
pleasures, or its comforts. 

" But the solitary wight whose cabin is pitched in the deepest recess of 
the forest, whose gun supplies his table, and whose dog is his only com- 
rade, enjoys ease and comfort, in comparison with the trapper, whose 
erratic stops lead him continually into new toils and dangers. P>eing 
compelled to procure his subsistence by very precarious means from day 
to day, in those immense regions of wilderness into which he fearlessly 
penetrates, he is sometimes known to live for a considerable period 
upon food over which the hungry wolf would pause for a polite interval 
before carving. The ordinary food of a trapper is corn and buffalo 
tallow, and, although his rifle frequently procures more dainty viands, he is 



APPENDIX. 595 



often, on the other hand, forced to devour his peltry, and gnaw his 
moccasins. 

" An old man arrived at Fort Atkinson in June hist, from the Upper 
Missouri, who was instantly recognized by some of the officers of the 
garrison as an individual supposed some time since to have been de- 
voured by a white bear, but more recently reported to have been slain by 
the Arickara Indians. His name is Hugh Glass. Whether old Ireland 
or Scotch-Irish Pennsylvania claims the honor of his nativity. I have not 
ascertained with precision, nor do I suppose that the humble fortunes 
of the hard}' adventurer Avill excite a rivalry on the subject similar to that 
respecting the birthplace of Homer. The following is his own account 
of himself for the last ten months of his perilous career: 

" lie was employed by Major Henry as a trapper, and was attached to 
his command before the Arickara towns. After the flight of these In- 
dians, the major and party set out for the Yellowstone River. Their 
route lay up the Grand River, and through a prairie country, occasionally 
interspersed with thickets of brushwood, dwarf-plum trees, and other 
shrubs, indigenous to a sandy soil. As these adventurers usually draw 
their food, as well as their raiment, from Nature's spacious warehouse, 
it is usual for one or two hunters to precede the party in search of game, 
that the whole may not be forced, at night, to lie down supperless. The 
rifle of Hugh Glass being esteemed as among the most unerring, he was 
on on'e occasion detached for supplies. He was a short distance in ad- 
vance of the party, and forcing his way through a thicket, when a white 
bear that had imbedded herself in the sand, arose within three yards of 
him, and before he could 'set his triggers,' or turn to retreat, he was 
seized by the throat, and raised from the ground. Casting him again 
upon the earth, his grim adversary tore out a mouthful of the cannibal 
food which had excited lier appetite, and retired to submit tlie sample to 
her yearling cubs, which were near at hand. The sufterer now made an 
eflfort to escape, but the bear immediately returned with a reinforcement, 
and seized him again at the shoulder; she also lacerated his left arm 
very much, and inflicted a severe wound on the back of his head. In 
this second attack the cubs were prevented from participating by one of 
the party, who had rushed forward to the relief of his comrade. One 
of the cubs however, forced the new comer to retreat into the river, 
where, standing to the middle in water, he gave his foe a mortal shot, or, 
to use his own language — ' I burst the varment.' Meantime, the main 
body of trappers having arrived, advanced to the relief of Glass, and 
delivered seven or eight shots with such unerring aim as to terminate 
hostilities, by dispatching the bear as she stood over her victim. 

"Glass was thus snatched from the grasp of the ferocious animal, yet 
his condition was far from being enviable. He had received several dan- 
gerous wounds, his whole body was bruised and mangled, and he lay 
weltering in his blood, in exquisite torment. To procure surgical aid, 
now so desirable, was impossible; and to remove the suflerer was equally 
so. The safety of the whole party — being now in the country of hostile 
Indians — depended on the celerity of their movements. To remove the 
lacerated and helpless Glass, seemed certain death to him ; and to the 
rest of the party such a measure would have been fraught with danger. 
Under these circumstances, Major Henry, by offering an extravagant re- 



596 APPENDIX. 



ward, induced two of his party to remain with the wounded man until he 
should expire, or until he could so far recover as to bear removal to 
some of the trading establishments in that country. They remained with 
their patient five days, and supposing his recovery no longer possible, 
they cruelly abandoned him, taking with them his rifle, shot-pouch, &c., 
and leaving him no means of either making fire or procuring food. These 
unprincipled wretches proceeded on the trail of their employer, and 
when they overtook him, reported that Glass had died of his wounds, and 
that they had interred him in the best manner possible. They produced 
his eff"ects in confirmation of their assertions, and readily obtained credence. 
" Meanwhile, poor Glass, retaining a slight hold upon life, when he 
found himself abandoned, crawled with great difficulty to a spring which 
was within a few yards, where he lay ten days. 

" During this period he subsisted upon cherries that hung over the 
spring, and (jrains desbceufs, or buffalo berries, that were within his reach. 
Acquiring, by slow degrees, a little strength, he now set off for Fort 
Kiawa, a trading establishment on the Missouri River, about three hun- 
dred and fifty miles distant. It required no ordinary portion of fortitude 
to crawl to the end of such a journey, through a hostile country, with- 
out fire-arms, with scarcely strength to drag one limb after another, and 
with alm-ost no other subsistence than wild berries. He had, however, 
the good fortune one day to be 'in at the death of a buftalo calf which 
was overtaken and slain by a pack of wolves, lie permitted the assail- 
ants to cariT on the war until no signs of life remained in their victim, 
and then interfered and took possession of the '■fatted calf^ but as he had 
no means of striking fire, we may infer that he did not make a very 
2)rodigal use of the veal thus obtained. With indefatigable industry, he 
continued to crawl until he reached Fort Kiawa. 

" Before his wounds were entirely healed, the chivalry of Glass was 
awakened, and he joined a party of five enfjar/es, who were bound, in a 
■pirogue, to Yellowstone River. The primary object of this voyage was 
declared to be the recovery of his arms, and vengeance on the recreant 
who had robbed and abandoned him in the hour of his peril. 

"When the party had ascended to within a few miles of the old Man- 
dan village, our trapper of hair-breadth 'scapes, landed, for the purpose of 
proceeding to Tilton's Fort at that place, by a nearer route than that of 
the river. 

"On the following day, all the companions of his vovage were massa- 
cred by the Arickara Indians. Approaching the fort with some caution, 
he observed two squaws whom he recognized as Arickaras, and who, dis- 
covering him at the same time, turned and fled. This was the first intel- 
ligence which he obtained of the fact that the Arickaras had taken post 
at the Mandan village, and he at once perceived the danger of his situa- 
tion. The squaws were not long in rallying the warriors of the tribe, who 
immediately commenced the pursuit. Suffering still under the severity 
of his recent wounds, the poor fugitive made a feeble essay at flight, and 
his enemies were within rifle-shot of him, when two Mandan mounted 
warriors rushed forward, and seized him. Instead of dispatching their 
prisoner, as he had anticipated, they mounted him on a fleet horse, which 
they had brought out for that purpose, and carried him into Tilton's Foil 
without injury. 



APPENDIX. 597 



"The same evening Glass crept out of the fort, and after travelling 
thirty-eight days alone, and through the country of hostile Indians, he ar- 
rived at Henry's establishment. 

" Finding that the trappers he was in pursuit of had gone to Fort At- 
kinson, Glass readily consented to be the bearer of letters for that post, 
and accordingly left Henry's Fort, on the Big Horn River, on the 28th of 
February, 1824. Four men accompanied him. They travelled across to 
Powder River, which empties itself into the Yellowstone, below the mouth 
of the Horn. They pursued their route up the Powder to its source, and 
thence across to the Platte. Here they constructed skin-boats, and de- 
scended in them to the lower end of Les Cotes Noirs (the Black Hills), 
where they discovered thirty-eight lodges of Arickara Indians. This was 
the encampment of Orexj Eyea'' band. That chief had been killed in 
the attack of the American troops upon his village, and the tribe was 
now under the command of Langue de Riche (Elk's Tongue). This war- 
rior came down and invited our little party ashore, and, by many profes- 
sions of friendship, induced them to believe him to be sincere. 

"Glass had once resided with this tonguey old politician, during a long 
winter, had joined him in the chase, and smoked his pipe, and cracked 
many a bottle by the genial fire of his wigwam ; and when he landed, 
the savage chief embraced him with the cordiality of an old friend. The 
whites were thrown oft" their guard, and accepted an invitation to smoke 
in the Indian's lodge. While engaged in passing the hospitable pipe, a 
small child was heard to utter a suspicious scream. Glass looked toward 
the door of the lodge, and beheld the squaws of the tribe bearing oft' the 
arms and other cftects of his party. This was the signal for a general 
movement; the guests sprang from their seats, and fled with precipita- 
tion, pursued by their treacherous entertainers — the whites ran for life, 
the red warriors for blood. 

"Two of the party were overtaken and put to death, one of them with- 
in a few yards of Glass, who had gained a point of rocks unperceived, 
and lay concealed from the view of his pursuers. Versed in all the arts 
of border warfare, our adventurer was enabled to practise them in the 
present crisis with such success as tO'baftle his bloodthirsty enemies; 
and he remained in his lurking-place until the search was abandoned in 
despair. Breathing once more a free air, he sallied forth under cover of 
the night, and resumed his line of march toward Fort Kiawa. The buf- 
falo calves, at that season of the year, were generally but a few days old ; 
and as the country through which he travelled was abundantly stocked 
with them, he found it no diflicult task to overtake one as often as his 
appetite admonished him to task liis speed for that purpose. 'Although,' 
said he, ' I had lost my rifle and all my plunder, I felt quite rich when I 
found my knife, flint and steel in my shot-pouch. These little fixens,' he 
added, ' make a man feel right 'peart^ when he is three or four hundred 
miles from any body or any place — all alone among the 2xnnte7's and wild 
varmeyits.'' 

" A journey of fifteen days brought him to Fort Kiawa. Thence he 
descended to Fort Atkinson, at the Council Blufts, where he found his 
old traitorous acquaintance in the garb of a private soldier. This 
shielded the delinquent from chastisement. The commanding officer at 
the post ordered his rifle to be restored ; and the veteran trapper was 



598 APPENDIX. 



furnished with such other appHances, or fixens, as he would term thcin, as 
put him in a pHght again to take the field. This appeased the wrath of 
Hugh Glass, whom my informant left astonishing, with his wonderful nar- 
ration, the gaping rank and file of the garrison." 

SUCCINCT HISTORY OF THE VARIOUS RELIGIOUS SECTS 

IN ST. LOUIS. 

This record of the various religions denominations in St. Louis can be 
depended upon as correct, as the information has been attained from the 
most authentic sources. The facts thus carefully garnered must be of 
much interest to a large portion of the community, and will furnish an 
era from which the various sects date their existence. Beyond giving 
the time of their organization, and a few other incidental facts, this his- 
tory does not go, as a fuller description of them belongs to a book treat- 
ing exclusively of them. 

CATHOLIC CHURCHES. 

St. Louis was first settled by the Catholics, and the first record there is 
of a Catholic missionary was in 1766, two years after the founding of St. 
Louis. Father Meurin, at that time in a tent, performed the rites of bap- 
tism. When St. Louis was a little trading post, he used frequently to 
come from Kaskaskia, where he resided, to look after the spiritual welfare 
of the inhabitants. He died in 1770. After his death, Father Gibault 
succeeded him, and performed mass in the little log church which was 
erected that year. The founder of St. Louis laid off the square where 
the cathedral now stands, for a Catholic church, and on it was erected 
the first log church. On this square was buried St. Angc de Bellerive, 
the French commandant, and Fernando de Leyba, one of the Spanish 
commandants, and also his wife; and here likewise was interred one of the 
children of Cruzat, another of the Spanish governors. 

The first prayer and first blessing were breathed by Catholic lips. Their 
hands reared the first altar; and they first sang the Exaiulkit and De 
Profundis with jubilant voices, where now our great Metropolis stands. 
They first stood upon the heathen ground, and consecrated it to religion. 
There are seventeen churches. 

UNITARIAN CHURCH. 

The Unitarians organized in 1834, and service was held in the third story 
of a house situated on the corner of Locust and Main streets, where the 
Masons held their meetings. In 1837, the first church was built on the 
corner of Fourth and Pine streets, whicli was pulled down in 1850. The 
Rev. William G. Elliot was the first officiating clergyman. The sect have 
but one church, which supports the " City Mission," an eleemosynary in- 
stitution. 

PRESHYTERIAN CHURCH. 

In 1816, the Rev. Salmon Giddings was employed by the Connecticut 
Missionary Society to visit the state of Missouri, to eff'ect an organization 



APPENDIX. 599 

of the members of that sect who were in that state, and he arrived in 
St. Louis April Gth of that year. It was not until the following year 
that he attempted any thing like an organization of the sect in St. Louis, 
having gone first to another part of the then territory. It appears, 
however, that Mr. Giddings, in the summer of 1816, administered the 
Eucharist at the house of Mr. Stephen Hempstead, at which there were 
three or four communicants — Mr. Hempstead, his wife, and Mrs. Manuel 
Lisa, his daughter ; and probably at the same time Mr. Thomas Osborne ; 
concerning the latter there is some confliction of testimony. The church 
was completely organized November iVth, 1817, and the following per- 
sons united in a covenant to that effect: — Thomas Osborne, Susanna Os- 
borne, Stephen Hempstead, Mary Hempstead, Britannia Brown, Chloe 
Reed, Mary Keeny, and Magdalen Scott. 

In the same building where the circuit court was then held Mr. Gid- 
dings rented a small room, where he taught school and preached. • It was 
in Market street, between Fourth and Fifth, and on that spot now stands 
Wyman's Hall. Service was held there until the first Presbyterian 
church was built in 1825, on Fourth street, between St. Charles and 
Washington avenues. "When Mr. Giddings died, he was buried beneath 
the pulpit of the church. 

At the conference in Philadelphia in 1837, there was some dispute on 
doctrinal observances, and from that grew the distinct branches of the 
Old and New School Presbyterians, and subsequently other subdivisions. 

REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

Organized April 2d, 1846. Church built in 1852, the Rev. Andrew C. 
Todd being then installed as minister. Previous to the building of the 
church, service was held on the corner of Third street and Washington 
avenue. One church in the city. 

UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

Organized in 1840, under the title of the "Associate Reformed Pres- 
byterian Church." The building was commenced in 1841, and service 
was held in the basement during its erection. The Rev. II. II. Johnson 
■was the first installed minister. One church. 

FIRST CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

Organized by the Rev. J. G. White, April 29th, 1849. The church 
edifice was erected in 1852. There is a German church of the same 
persuasion about being erected, which was organized December 13th, 
1857. Two churches. 

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 

Organized in March, 1852, which was eff"ected chiefly through the 
efforts of Rev. T. M. Post. The first sermon after organization was 
preached in the Third Presbyterian Church, between Washington and 
Franklin avenues, on Sixth street, and service was performed there until 
December, 1855, when it was transferred to the chapel which the sect 
erected near the spot where their beautiful church now stands. The 
church was commenced in the autumn of 1857. 



600 APPENDIX. 



EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

It was in September, 1819, that the first Episcopal service was held in 
an old frame buildincj on Spruce street, between Third and Fourth streets, 
a portion of the ground being now occupied as the " Sisters' Hospital." 
The sermon was preached by the Rev. John Ward, and it is probable that 
an organization was effected in November of that year. He remained in 
St. Louis until 1821, when he removed to Lexington. Nearly all the 
time that he remained in St. Louis he preached in the old Court-house, 
corner of Second and Walnut streets, and a temporary pulpit was erected 
in the old house, and it was termed the " Episcopal Chnrch." The first 
communicants of this church were Mrs. llari'ell and Mrs, Jourdaii. The 
former was the wife of the Rev, Thomas Harrell, a zealous and exemplary 
divine, who came to St, Louis in 1825, and was the successor of Mr. 
Ward, Mrs. Jourdan is now Mrs. Mason, and resides in the state of Il- 
linois. She is the sister of Henry Von Phul, senior. During Mr, Ward'.s 
time in St, Louis, there were no communicants. The first church was 
commenced in 182G, and completed in 1830. It stood on the corner of 
Third and Chesnut streets. 

The Rev, Thomas Harrel married Mr. Giddings when the Presbyterian 
missionary took a wife, and preached his funeral oration. 

EVANGELICAL CHURCHES. 

The first church of this name was organized in 1835, and the first ser- 
vice preached in a Methodist church, corner of Wasjiington avenue and 
Fourth street, by Rev. William Buettner, D. D. A church was soon after 
erected on Seventh street, and was called the Church of the Holy Ghost. 
In some years afterward there was a severance from the mother church, 
and there came into existence the Union Evangelical Church, being a 
union of the German Reformed and Lutheran doctrines. There are seven 
churches of the Evangelical order, 

BAPTIST CHURCHES, 

On February 18th, 1818, the first organization of the Baptists was 
eff"ected in St. Louis, principally through the 'exertions of the Rev. John 
M, Peck and Rev, James E, Welch, Thcre^ were then but seven Baptists 
in the town, Thev, however, with a praiseworthy zeal commenced erect- 
ing a church on the south-west corner of Market and Third streets, which 
became afterward the site of the National Hotel, In 1835, a fine church 
edifice was erected on the corner of Third and Chesnut streets. They 
have eight churches, 

METHODIST CHURCHES, 

There was no organization effected in St, Louis until 1820, though, 
previous to that time, the Rev. John Scripps occasionally preached and 
held prayer-meetings. In 1820, the Rev. Jesse Walker came to St. Louis, 
and organized the church. The service was held in an old frame build- 
ing, corner of Third street and Myrtle avenue. Through his exertions, 
soon afterward a frame church was erected on the corner of Fourth and 
Myrtle. Eighteen ciiurches. 



APPENDIX. 601 

There are also two Jewish churches, both in a thriving state, and one 
" Christian Church," and one Universalist church. There are in all 
seventy-seven churches. 

Some years ago the Mormons had a church in the city, but it is not 
now in existence. 

REVENUE AND TAXES. 

It will be a matter of interesting information for the readers of this 
work to look over the following statistics, where they can see almost at 
a glance the gradations in the value of personal and real estate in St. 
Louis. Some of the record-books have been destroyed by tire, which 
accounts for the hiatus in the tables between the years 1812 and 1S19. 
We have given the amount of taxes raised by assessment, with the per- 
centage of each year, and, by careful calculation from that data, have 
arrived at the correct assessment of the real and personal estate. 

Year. Names of Taxes from Value of Eeal and Population. 
Assessors. Assessment. Personal Estate. 

1799 925 

1810 1,400 

ISll ] Tugus^te alouteau \ ^^'^ ^8 (^ per cent.) $134,516 GO 

To,n i (Jharles Sanguiiiet, ) ..„ h, /, c ^\ -..si o-.^ />/x 

1^12 \ ij,.. Hubert Simpsmi f ^^^ ^^ (* "^ ^^^ percent.) 134,313 00 

1819 Jabez Waruef 3,396 481 424,560 00 

1820 M. P. Leduc 3,585 54 4,928 

1821 " 3,823 80 

1822 " 3,824 68 

1823 Ferguson & Leduc 4,050 32 (^ of one percent.) 810,064 00 

1824 " 5,062 29 

1825 " 1,970 41i(iof onepercent.) 1,013,167 00 

1826 Peter Ferguson 2,509 68 J (^ of one percent.) 

1827 Elliot Lee 2,933 45 

1828 " 3,775 83 5,000 

1829 Patrick Walsh 4,765 98 

1830 L. A. Benoist 4,576 64 5,852 

1831 " 3,466 77 

1832 " 3,897 64 

1833 " 2,745 84 6,397 

1834 Joseph V. Gamier 2,579 61 

1835 John McCausland 8,332 08 8,316 

1836 26,615 41 

1837 30,106 00 12,040 

1838 

1839 39,055 00 

1840 43,29156 ." 8,682,506 00 16,469 

1842 45,088 61 12,101,028 00 

1844 ,...47,780 00 13,999,914 50 34,140 

1846 15,055,720 99 

1848 » •. 19,506,497 85 

1850 .> 29,676,649 24 74.439 

1851 34,443,529 21 

1852 ' 38,281,668 96 94.000 

1853 39,397,186 :!3 

1855 42.991,812 00 

1856 59,609,289 

1858 82,609,449 3. 

1859 1,074,112 08 104,621,360 92 185,587 



602 APPENDIX. 

These tables have been prepared with the greatest care, and are perfectly 
reliable. Tliis statement is necessary, so that the community may know 
that we have gone to the records ourselves, and have drawn from no other 
sources. All of the reports which we have seen published in this connec- 
tion, without a single exception, are full of inaccuracies. 

When the Province of Louisiana was ceded to the United States, and 
Congress divided it into two districts, the governor and judges of Indiana, 
who had the executive control of the District of Louisiana, made some 
law relative to revenue, but the assessment was a general assessment, 
and St. Louis was only a part of a district. It was not until 1809 that 
it became a town, and the first assessment of which there is any record 
took place in 1811. 

The highest valuation of property was assessed to Auguste Chouteau, 
the valuation of his property being |1 5,604, on which he paid a tax of 
seventy-eight and thirty-two cents. The estate of Francis M. Benoist, 
father of L. A. Benoist, the well-known banker of St. Louis, was assessed 
at $1,100. 

Aususte Chouteau paid a tax of $268 10 on property assessed to 
$76,600, being the largest property-holder in the town. Judge J. B. C. 
Lucas paid a tax of $36 94 on property valued at $10,555. Colonel John 
O'Fallon paid a tax of $8 58 on property valued at $2,450. William 
Clark paid a tax of $69 TO on property valued at $19,930. William 
Christy {>aid a tax of $52 50 on property valued at $16,000. Henry Von 
Phul paid a tax of $28 61 on property assessed to $8,175 00. 



PUBLIC BUILDINGS. 

[We are indebted to Mr. John E. Yore for the following history of the 
Merchants' Exchange building :] 



MERCHANTS EXCHANGE. 

The preliminary steps to form a company to build the Exchange build- 
ing were taken in the early part of the winter of 1855-6. Several gen- 
tlemen, among whom may be mentioned the names of James H. Lucas, 
George R. Taylor, Edward J. Gay, .George Knapp, Louis C. Garnier, 
Fils & Corte, John G. Priest, L. A. Benoist, L. Piiggs, A. Mier, L. V. Bogy, 
and others, took a very active part in procuring the stock subscriptions 
and organizing the company. After the sum of seventy-five per cent, of 
the capital stock had been subscribed, a meeting of the stockholders was 
convened, at the Merchants' Exchange (at that time on the south-west 
corner of Olive and Main streets), on the 5th of January, 1856. At this 
meeting the sum or amount of $57,000 in subscriptions was represented 
and present. The object of this meeting was to elect by ballot, according 
to the articles of association, seven trustees to serve for one year as the 
first board of trustees of the St. Louis Merchants' Exchange Company. 
The result of this election was the choice of the following-named gen- 



APPENDIX. 603 



tlemen : — George • R. Taylor, Edward J. Gay, James H.Lucas, Lamason 
Rig-gs, Felix Corte, Louis C. Gamier, and Neree Valle. At a subsequent 
meeting of the board, George R. Taylor was cbosen president, J, H. Lucas 
treasurer, and John E. Yore secretary. The company was then duly or- 
ganized, and proceeded at once to the purchase of the ground and the 
erection of the Exchange building. 

The ground was purchased of the city of St. Louis, consisting of one 
hundred and twenty-five feet in block No. 7, fronting on Main and Com- 
mercial streets, and between Market and Walnut streets. Messrs George 
R. Taylor, Lucas C. Garnier, and Felix Corte, were appointed the building 
committee. A premium of $250 was offered for the best plan and $50 
for the second best plan for an exchange building. Twelve difterent plans 
were received by the company. The plans offered by Messrs. Barnett 
& Weler were adopted by the board, and also by the stockholders, at a 
subsequent meeting held for that purpose. Mr. Oliver A. Hart was ap- 
pointed superintendent, and Messrs. Barnett & Weler were awarded the 
contract for the building of the Exchange. The building was commenced 
in March, 1856, and finished in May, 1857. The front of the building on 
Main street is of stone, and on Commercial street of brick and stone. 
The front elevation on Main street, while it is not devoid of ornament, 
is yet sufficiently so to present an executive massiveness and grandeur. 
There are no expensive and meretricious ornaments to attract the fancy at 
the expense of the judgment, but all is simplicity, purity, anc^gnnosten- 
tation, and presents a very chaste and impressive eft'ect. The height of 
the building from Main street to the cornice is seventy feet. The front is 
one hundred and twenty-five feet ; depth about eighty-five feet. The 
exchange hall is one hundred and two feet by eighty-one in the clear, and 
is nearly as large as the great hall of the Mercantile Library, with twenty- 
six feet in the clear, surrounded with a deep cornice. Sliown from the 
centre of the hall is an opening of nearly fifty feet, through which light 
is admitted from an elegant spandrel dome, forming the ceiling in the 
centre, and rising above the roof of the building. The reading-room is 
on the south side of the hall, and rests on fluted iron columns, and is 
eighteen by eighty-one feet in the clear, surmounted with a handsome 
iron railing. Above the exchange hall the space is subdivided into four- 
teen large offices. The cost of this building was about $75,000. The 
present value of the building and ground is $200,000. 



CUSTOM HOUSE. 

On a portion of the site whereon stood the finest theatre in St, Louis 
is located the Custom House. It is but recently completed, having been 
several years in erection. It has been under the direction of the most 
distinguished architects in the West — first under the charge of Messrs. 
BarncU & Peck, and then Thomas Walsh. 

The building has all that stamina and massiveness peculiar to Egyptian 

architecture, but, with all its strength manifest in its immense blocks of 

stone, it still preserves a graceful and beautiful appearance, the heaviness 

beinfj- relieved by tasteful columns and pillars, which, without diuiinish- 

26 



604 



APPENDIX. 



ing its strength, lend to it the attraction of Gothic architecture. It is a 
model of strength and beauty. The foundation is of piles — huge pieces 
of wood sharpened and driven by the power of machinery twenty-two 
feet in the earth. There is a vault running the whole length of the build- 
ing, and the immense structure is supported upon arches. It is a model 
of architectural beauty and strength, and probably is the cheapest build- 
ing ever erected, for which the general government had to pay the whole 
cost, being but $356,000. 

There are scores of buildings which deserve a mention in this history, 
but we have not space for the purpose, and have selected but these two 
as significant of the merits of the rest. One is the creation of public and 
the other of private enterprise. In a future number of the continuance 
of this publication we will give a full account of the public and business 
edifices of our great Metropolis. 

SUCCESSION OF THE MAYORS OF ST. LOUIS. 



The first city charter bears date December 9th, 1822. 
of mayors since that date has been as follows : 



The succession 



DATE. MATORS. 

1823 to^829 ..William Carr Lane 
1829 to 1833 ..Daniel D. Page* 
1833 to 1835.. .John W.Johnson. 
1835 to 1838... John F. Darby. 
1838 to 1840...AVilliam Carr Lane. 

1 840 John F. Darby. 

1841 John D. Daggett. 

1842 George Maguire. 

1843 John M. Wnner. 

1844 to 1846... Bernard Pratte. 



DATE. MATORS. 

1846 .Peter G. Camden. 

1847 Bryan Mullanphy. 

1848 John M. Krnm. ' 

1849 James G. Barry. 

1850 to 1853... Luther M. Kennett. 
1853 to 1855... John How. 

1855 Washington King. 

1856 John How. 

1857 John M. Wimer. 

1858-9 Oliver D. Filley. 



* In 1833, Dr. Samuel Merry was elected mayor, but he being at that time receiver 
of public money, the Board of Aldermen refused to recognize the election. (See page 
347.) 



FIRST GOVERNOR OF MISSOl'RI. 



PRRSKNT O OVER NOR OF MISSOURI. 




FIRST »IATOK OF ST. LOUIS. PUiSbNT MAIUU OF hi. LOUIS 

GOVERNOR HON air's HOUSE, ST. LOUIS. 



THE GREAT WEST, 

AND HER COMMERCIAL METROPOLIS. 

COMPRISING. 

THE BUSINESS & BUSINESS MEN 



OF 



ST. LOUIS. 



VOL. II. 



This highly instructive and useful work will immediately follow the publi- 
cation of this book, and the following beautiful engravings which are inserted 
are given as specimens of the illustrations which will adorn it. It was atfirst 
the intention of the author to let the "Business and Business Men of St, 
Louis," make a portion of the present volume ; but our readers will see at 
a glance, that this would be impossible. This book is already sufficiently 
voluminous, and the •' Business and Business Men of St. Louis" will bo 
sufficient in themselves to form a volume of equal magnitude. 

The next volume, comprising the " Business and Business Men of St. 
Louis," will be gotten up in the same magnificent manner, which is a guar- 
antee of its utility, its authenticity, and artistical beauty. It will contain 
the biographies and photographs of those of our citizens who stand at the 
head of their respective classes of business, and whose energy, success and 
examples, would teach useful lessons to posterity. 

This work will give also in detail, the business of the great metropolis ; 
the extent, variety, and wealth of its manufactures and commerce, which, 
already so great, in its colossal strides, bids fair to surpass any city of our 
Union. The illustrations will comprise the buildings of our prominent 
business firms, public edifices, and some physical features, among which 
will be an illustration of the " Big Mound," from which St. Louis derives 
its sobriquet of the " Mound City." 

EICHAKD EDWAEDS, 

Cor. of 3d and Pine Sts. Editor & Publisher. 




MISSOURI SPINNING COMPANY. 

Menard Street, between Geyer Avenue and Emmet Street. 

Louis Bosse, President. Henry Prante, Vice-President. 

Charles F. Blattau, Treasurer. Joiix Rcegg, Superintendent. 
RiciiAiiD Boesewetter, Secretary. 




MISSOURI STEAj^I PLANING MILL. 
9th Corner of "Walnut Street. 




LACLEDE MILLS. 

Corner of Soulard and Decatur Streets. 

S. G. Sears, & Co., Proprietors. 




ST. LOULS STARCH FACTORY. 

Clarke Avenue, between 16th and 11th Streets. 

Andrew F. IIcmjiitscii, Proprietor. 



fa; 

Q 
H 
O 





PATENT PRESS OIL WORKS. 

2d Corner of Columbia Street. 
"Wymax. Renick, & Co., Proprietors 




VIEW ON SECOND STREET. 

Xos. 106 and 108. 




STEAM BAKERY, Corner Fraukliii Avenue and 17th Street. 
G. Garxeau, Proprietor. 




VIEW ON' WASHINGTON AVENUE. 
Between Main and Second Street. 




UNION BREWERY ON MARKET STREET. 
Corner of 18th Street. 
J. "VViNKELMEYER & ScHiFFEK, Proprietors. 




;i.^ -JO^ft EDWARDS' JOURNAL. 

VIEW ON BROAD\A'AY- BRANCH OF CROOKES OLD SAW WORKS. 




ST. GEORGE MILL. 

Jackson Street, between Emmet and Lesperance Streets. 

Kalbfleiscj, Lj'.nge & Leonhardt, Proprietors. 




VIEW ON BIDDLE STREET. 




VIEW ON BROADWAY CORNER OF ASHLEY STREET. 




YIEW ON SECOND STREET. 
Numbers 102 & 104. 




ST. LOUIS STEAM LAUNDRY. 
Moore Street, between Clark Avenue and Market Street. « 

John K. Bkettall, Proprietor. 




VIEW ON MAIN STREET, NORTH WEST CORNER OF CHESTNUT. 




PHCENIX CHAIR FACTORY. 

Madison Street near Broadway. 

Fate & Co., Proprietora. 




ARCHITECTURAL IRON WORKS. 

Chestnut Street corner of lOtli Street. 

McMuRRAY. "U'lXKELiMAiRR k Co., Prnprielors. 




VIEW ON MAIN STREET. 




/ 


—'- ---- 




^ 


-^^ 


IST,L0U15 

-^ IPLWINGMI 


raB 


ta 





ST. LOUIS PLANING MILL. 

O'Fallon Street corner of High Street. 

Ladd, Patrick k Co., Proprietors. 




VIEW ON 5th street CORNER OF HAZEL STREET. 




NORTH EAST CORNER OE 2d AND OLIVER STREETS. 



i 




VIEW ON 2d street. 
Xumbers 110 and 112. 




PLANTERS' HOUSE, 4x11 STREET CORNER OF CHESTNUT. 

Under which is situated the principal ticket offices of the several Railroads verging 

from St. Louis. 




VIEW OX 8th street, CORNER OF ST. CHARLES. 




EAGLE BRASS FOUNDRY. 

Vine Street, between 2d and 3d. 

John Goodin. Proprietor. 




VIEW ON 6th street, CORNER OF PINE. 




TRUNK FACTORY. 

Decatur Street, corner of Julleu Street. 

Stkphen F. Summers, Proprietor. 




VIEW ON MARKET STREET, BETWEEN 15th AND 16th STREETS. 




PARK MILL. 

Market Street, Corner of 13th Street. 

T. A. BuCKLAND, Proprietor. 




VIEW ON BROADWAY. 





CAMP SPRING MILL. 

Estelle Street, between 19th and 20th Streets. 

F. EiCKERMANN & Co., Proprietors. 




VIEW ON MAIN STREET. 




VIEW ON 10th street, CORNER OF ST. CHARLES STREET. 




WATER PIPE FACTORY. 

Papin Street, between 12 th and 13th Streets. 

Graham & Newman. Proprietors. 




VIEW ON 2d street. 

Nuniber.s S4 and 80. 




STEAM BAKERY, Corner Franklin Avenue and 17th SUeei. 
J. Garneau, Proprietor. 




tN CRAVED^ 

-: F r\_ E □ W AR d's' JOURNAL. 



VIEW ON BROADWAY— BRANCH, CROOKES & GO'S SAW WORKS. 




w 

H 

o 

o 

« 

o 




VIEW ON SECOND STREET NEAR WASHTNaTON AYENCTE. 




VIEW ON SECOND STREET CORNER OF LOCUST. 




COLLIER WHITE LEAD AXD OIL WORKS. 

Clark Avenue, corner of 10th Street. 

Hexrt T. Blo'.v. President. Thomas Richesox, Secretary. 




VIEW ON MAIN STREET. 




VIEW ON 10th street. 

Between Cerre and Gratiot. 

Fritz k Wainwright. — Lager Beer Brewery. 




ALLEN IRON WORKS. 

Corner Caronclelet and Allen Avenues. 

Thomson, Whitk k Co.. Proprietors. 




VIEW OF TODD MILLS.— HEMP WORKS. 

Decatur Street, corner of Barry Street. 

Lytle, Johnson & Co., Proprietors. 




VI KW OF SOAP FACTORY. 

Christy Avenue between 22(1 and 23d Stree.. 

ScHAEFFER, Anhkuseu & Co., Proprietors. 




WESTERN SPICE MILLS. 

ith Street, between Gratiot and Chouteau Avenue. 

NoRRis & Garesche, Proprietors. 




ST. LOUIS COTTON, FACTORY. 

Menard Street between Soulard and Lafayette Streets. 

Adolphus Meier, President. 




SAXONY MILLS. 
Lombard Street, between 3d and 4:th. 
Leonhardt & ScHURiCHT, Proprietors. 




MISSOURI HEMP WORKS. 

Stoddart Avenue, between Chouteau Avenue and Hickory Street. 

J. T. Douglass, Proprietor. 



3 0YS7? 



